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THE MUSEUM j
0F MODERN ART
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I
SILHOUETTES
Of
Stars, Players, and Directors
Of
WARNER BROS. PICTURES, INC.
LIBRARY
THS MUSEUM
OF MODERN ART
Received:
From :
in
?2 WARNER BROS. PICTURES, INC.
jT* 321 West 44th Street
New York City
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FL
>l 5-3
FOREWORD
This unpretentious volume contains a wealth of material in bio-
graphical form covering all important stars, players, and directors of
Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. It should be invaluable to the motion picture
editor, or to anyone doing editorial work pertaining to motion pictures.
This volume went to press in October, 1937. All data, therefore,
is up-to-date, and most of it is accurate for several months to come.
You will note that the end of each biography contains the list of
pictures the player has been featured in. It is suggested that you — the
editor — may keep each biography up to the minute as to performances by
adding each new picture a star is cast in, as you receive a new announcement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How It All Began 1
STARS AND PLAYERS
Acuff, Eddie 8
Aherne, Brian 9
Baker, Kenny 12
Blondell, Joan 16
Blondell, Gloria 20
Bogart, Humphrey 23
Borg, Veda Ann 25
Brent, George 27
Bromley, Sheila 31
Bryan, Jane 33
Cooper, Melville 36
Davis, Bette 38
Davis, Johnnie 42
Davies, Marion , 45
De Havilland, Olivia 49
Dickson, Gloria 52
Farrell, Glenda 55
Flynn, Errol 58
Foran, Dick 61
Francis, Kay 64
Granville, Bonita 67
Gravet, Fernand 68
Herbert, Hugh 72
Hopper, William 76
Howard, Leslie 78
Hunter, Ian 81
Jenkins, Allen 83
Joslyn, Allyn 86
Karloff, Boris 88
Knowles, Patric 91
Lane, Lola 93
Lane, Priscilla 95
Lane, Rosemary 97
Lester, Vicki 100
Lindsay, Margaret 103
Litel, John 106
Louise, Anita 108
MacLane, Barton 110
Maguire, Mary 112
Mauch, Billy and Bobby 114
McHugh, Frank 117
Morris, Wayne 119
Muni, Paul 122
Nagel, Anne 125
O'Brien, Pat 127
O'Connell, Hugh 130
Oliver, Gordon 132
O'Neill, Henry 134
Perry, Linda 136
Powell, Dick 138
Purcell, Dick 141
Rains, Claude 143
Ralston, Marcia 147
Rathbone, Basil 150
Reagan, Ronald 152
Reynolds, Craig 153
Roberts, Beverly 155
Robinson, Edward G 158
Sheridan, Ann 162
Sokoloff, Vladimir 164
Travis, June 166
Turner, Lana 168
Vallee, Rudy 171
Waring, Fred 174
Weston, Doris 176
Wilson, Marie 179
Wyman, Jane 181
DIRECTORS
Bacon, Lloyd 184
Berkeley, Busby 186
Connolly, Bobby 188
Curtiz, Michael 190
Dieterle, William 192
Enright, Ray 194
Goulding, Edmund 195
Keighley, William 196
LeRoy, Mervyn 198
Litvak, Anatole 200
May, Joe 202
McDonald, Frank 204
McGann, William 206
Reinhardt, Max 208
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Some thirty-five years ago, two slightly nervous young men walked
timidly into an undertaker's shop in Newcastle, Pennsylvania. They glanced
about, gave slight shudders, then hesitatingly asked the tall, sallow pro-
prietor if they might rent ninety-nine chairs.
The undertaker rubbed his hands, elated at the prospect of a fine
big funeral. But his moment of enthusiasm came to an abrupt end when the
elder of the young men intrepidly announced that the chairs were wanted for
a "theatre" they intended to open.
The "theatre" came to being in an abandoned grocery store.
The two young men swept it, painted it, installed the chairs once
used for grimmer purposes, and promoted the grocery store to the high estate
of Nickelodeon. Here for five cents cash one could see actual motion pic-
tures, cowboys, Indians, and what-nots, whizzing dizzily across a sheet of
painted tin.
The two brothers who thus fearlessly plunged Their All into this
tiny theatrical enterprise were Harry M. Warner and Albert Warner.
Billions of feet of film have danced across tens of thousands of
silver screens since that day. Much of it due to the activities of those two
brothers, aided by two other brothers, Jack L. Warner and the late Sam
Warner. And from this tiny refurbished grocery store, Warner Bros. Pictures,
Inc. has grown into a mighty corporation with many studios, theatres, and
branches throughout the world.
After some years of success with the Newcastle Nickelodeon — even-
tually christened "The Bijou" — the brothers became distributors of motion
pictures. And failed.
They moved to Pittsburgh and started again. Unable to obtain good,
marketable pictures, they were again forced to close. At a loss. But they
were undaunted. They were desperate. They had poured out good money. They
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figured there had to be a way to get it back. They crossed their fingers
and became picture producers. Strike three! Out! Another failure!
It was getting to be a habit. A most unpleasant habit. But the
Warner boys had been in the picture business for some years now. They de-
termined to stay in! Besides, they had what seemed to be a good idea.
Ambassador James W. Gerard's book, "My Four Years in Germany," had
just been published and had caused a sensation. The Warners bought the screen
rights and somehow managed to make a feature picture of it. Four pairs of
fingers were crossed as the release date approached. And the picture was a
smashing success. Money came in. Capital. Good old gold which had so long
been conspicuous by its absence in the Warner till.
The brothers rolled up their sleeves and went into production.
Their actual importance in the picture world was first noticed by
interested observers and advertising solicitors when they began buying best-
selling novels and plays and putting them into production.
Among them were "Main Street," "Brass," "The Beautiful and Damned,"
and others. They bought the screen rights of David Belasco's plays, including
"Tiger Rose" and "The Gold Diggers." "Gold Diggers" made a fortune for them,
and new versions of it with a musical background have piled up more. "Gold
Diggers," it appears, will go on forever. As this is being written — on a
hot September day in 1937 — plans are humming for "Gold Diggers in Paris."
You can't stop those busy little "Gold Diggers."
The Warners soon discovered that the play was not entirely "the
thing," according to Will Shakespeare. (He went to work for them, too!) They
realized the need of stars. John Barrymore was lured from the New York stage
and starred in "Beau Brummel." Lenore Ulric in "Tiger Rose." George Arliss
in "Disraeli."
And with George Arliss' entrance into the films, the Warners —
possibly unwittingly — broadened the field of motion pictures. They proved
that the flaxen-haired doll of the movies, and 01' Davil Sex, was not the All
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Powerful in luring gold into the land of the jumping gelatines. Arliss was
a smash hit. He won converts to the movies. People who had never darkened
the bars on a box-office window came, and saw, and came again. The Warners
and Arliss educated them and proved that movies could be GOOD. Could be
dignified entertainment.
And now, tearing the pages of days, months, and years from the cal-
endar, we come to a Momentous Event. The Western Electric Company, and the
Bell Telephone Laboratories, had been working on a rattle-brained invention
to unite speech and pictures. Novelty. Like the early days of the bicycle.
They tossed it around into the laps of producers, and like an Indian rubber
check, it bounced back. Impractical. Ab-so-loot-ly impractical!
But the Warners whispered to themselves, "They've got something
there [■ They peered at the mechanism, went in a huddle in the corner and
talked it over, peered again, then reached for their Watermans.
On August 5th, 1926, "Don Juan" with John Barrymore opened at the
Warner Theatre on Broadway. The first picture with Vitaphone synchronization.
The orchestra in the pit of the theatre was done away with, and instead, the
screen blared forth a synchronized musical score played by a Philharmonic
Orchestra of 107 musicians. Also on the program were short subjects present-
ing opera stars and stage favorites — SEEN and HEARD for the first time !
On the night of October 5th, 1927, the Warners presented "The Jazz
Singer" with Al Jolson. A part-talking-and-singing-picture . And the first
in which Al Jolson sang and performed an hilarious talking sequence with his
(screen) mother.
On the night of July 6th, 1928, the first all-talking picture opened
and startled the big audience at the Strand on Broadway. It was "Lights of
New York," and playing in it were Cullen Landis, Helene Costello, Gladys
Brockwell, and Eugene Pallette. Strangely enough one of the authors of this
curiosity was Hugh Herbert, now one of the star comedians at the Warner Studio.
That evening started something. Here was the beginning of a new era
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in motion pictures. Old equipment was tossed on the junk heap. Die-hards of
the "silent days" wrung their hands when they counted the box-office "take."
New equipment was shipped to all corners of the globe and the Talking Picture
was born.
As time has passed, and always will, the Warners have continued to
purchase outstanding novels and plays. But there is always a glint in their
collective eye for the story from the newspaper headlines. From the front
pages such cinemas have been born as "Public Enemy," "The Finger Points,"
"Massacre," "G-Men," "I'm a Fugitive From a Chain Gang," "Marked Woman,"
"Mountain Justice," "San Quentin," and many others.
The biographical film began under the Warner patronage with "Dis-
raeli." Then came "Voltaire," "Alexander Hamilton," "The Story of Louis Pas-
teur," "The White Angel," "The Life of Emile Zola," "Panama Canal," and
others. And actually made money!
Will Shakespeare made his cinema debut in Warner's "A Midsummer
Night's Dream," over which the doubting Toms shook their heads. But the pic-
ture is now neatly in the "black," thank you, and doing nicely. Other out-
standing productions have been "Captain Blood," "Anthony Adverse," "Charge of
the Light Brigade," "Prince and the Pauper," and others.
The "Musical" picture, usually in a back-stage setting, has been a
specialty of the Warners. "Forty-second Street" revived interest in "music-
als" which had been pronounced dead, introduced two new stars in the persons
of Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, and piled up huge box-office grosses during
those panicky days of the Bank Holiday. The "Gold Digger" series have been
most successful, and threaten to continue so. A wild-eyed dance director,
one Busby Berkeley, injected a new formula into musical pictures by his stag-
ing of staggeringly extravagant musical numbers. Recent musical successes,
possibly less extravagant have been, "Shipmates Forever," "The Singing
Marine," "Varsity Show" and others.
And now that Technicolor is climbing out of its blurry rompers, the
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Warners, who experimented some years back with "On With The Show," a big,
colossal "musical," are again mixing their pastels for "Robin Hood" and others
in natural tints.
For production of motion pictures, under the guidance of Jack L.
Warner, the big Warner Studios are located in a valley in the Hollywood Hills,
five miles from Hollywood Boulevard. The studios are said to be the most
beautifully laid out and landscaped of any in the Cinema Capital.
The many Spanish type buildings rest on a ninety acre tract. Six
buildings on the frontage hold the Administration Offices. And there are
seventy-five buildings on the tract devoted to the production of pictures.
The largest single studio building ever constructed — 430 feet by
300 feet — houses shops, mills, foundries.
Of the twenty-two Sound Stage buildings, two are the largest ever
erected. The largest measures 306 feet long, 122 feet wide, and 40 feet high.
Stage No. 7 rises to a greater height, having an inside clearance of 66 feet.
Built on thirty-eight miles of paved and lighted streets, leading
away from the Administration Building in square blocks, are two huge Property
buildings, an Experimental Science Building, two large buildings devoted to
Vitaphone Sound Recording. There is also a Camera Building, a large Portrait
Studio, Make-Up Department Building, Hospital Building, Technical Building,
Precision Machine Shop, Generator Building, to say nothing of carpenter shops,
paint shops, "special effects" building, storage buildings, a fire department,
a police department, and so on.
On the "lot" are fifty-six bungalow dressing rooms for stars. These
are complete apartments where the stars may live during the production of
their pictures. In addition, there are fifty portable dressing rooms which
are brought on the stages and placed close by the "sets" in production for the
convenience of the players.
The "food question" is something else again. Conveniently located
on the studio grounds is a huge building housing three separate dining rooms
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and a vast kitchen which can supply service for 2,000 people within two hours.
Most interesting is the Blue Room dining room.. This is where the stars, fea-
tured players and directors, and so on, eat. There is also a restaurant for
studio executives, production managers, and so on, and many of the studio
conferences in regard to productions in work take place in this dining room.
Then there is the vast cafeteria which serves several hundred people,
and even more when they are served in shifts. This is where the chorus girls
and dancers soothe their ravenous appetites, and also where the stage hands,
carpenters, camera crews, and technical men eat. An occasional star pops in
also for a "quick" lunch.
One of the really fascinating locations at the studio is the "back
lot." This covers an area of seventy acres, and presents an amazing series
of intersecting streets representing American and foreign cities. One
stands fascinated on a French street, then turns a corner and is on a Mexican
plaza, then a Viennese street, a Chinese street, a street in Leningrad, and
so on.
America is represented by a small town street, a public square with
a park; a "western" street where cowboys often dash on their horses; a Phila-
delphia street flanked by red brick colonial houses, a San Francisco street;
a New York "brownstone" street ; a section of Fifth Avenue with the smart shops
and a replica of St. Thomas Church. In this modern American section there are
also the fronts of theatres, apartment houses, hotels, boarding houses, drug
stores, banks, newspaper buildings, a courthouse, police stations, saloons,
railroad and bus depots, not to forget a "Purple Hen Cafe."
The "back lot" also has on solid ground a reproduction of an Amer-
ican battleship, an old square rigged ship, such as was used in "Captain
Blood," railroad platforms and sheds where "practical" trains actually move a
short distance on tracks, and numerous other amazing but useful structures.
In addition to the "back lot," there is a 360 acre ranch, a pictur-
esque strip of hills at Calabasas which is used for the production of outdoor
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dramas. Photographed here are woodland and forest scenes such as are used in
"Robin Hood," and he-man outdoor "westerns," and other pictures exploiting
the brawn of the outdoor man.
When the studio becomes nautical, there is considerable activity
around the six acre artificial lake. Here wind machines can stir up a fright-
fully heavy sea, and here Lord Nelson once fought the Battle of Trafalgar.
Here also Captain Blood fought off the pirates. Other heroes of history and
fiction have fought like everything aboard their crafts while the wind machine
made the wind whistle through the masts and ratlines.
The artificial lake is also artificial around part of its frontage
and often wears "false whiskers," allegorically speaking. On its shores rose
Livorno and the Casa de Bonnyfeather which will be remembered in "Anthony Ad-
verse." Here also is a section of New York waterfront, of Shanghai, of San
Francisco, and — well, whatever sort of a waterfront the script calls for.
This, then, is a sketchy picture of the Warner Brothers and the vast
plant which has risen since those days about thirty-five years ago when an
undertaker's smile froze on his face when he learned that his ninety-nine
chairs were not to be used at a handsome funeral but were to be used as or-
chestra seats in a little nickelodeon which was proudly christened the "Bijou"
Theatre.
8
EDDIE ACUFF
Eddie Acuff was sixteen years old when he played his first part on
the professional stage — that of a 70-year-old man in "Seven Keys to Bald-
pate." He was so scared, he says, that his voice went back to its immature
treble, and quaintly sounded like the quavering voice of an old dodo.
At 27, he had worked pretty regularly, eventually reaching Broadway,
and it was from that famed boulevard that he was drafted for motion pictures.
A Warner company was making "Shipmates Forever," at the Naval Academy
at Annapolis, with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler as stars, in May, 1935, when
Director Frank Borzage found that no one had been cast for the part of "Cow-
boy." The casting director with the troupe volunteered to get an actor for
the role, and took a train to New York. Eddie was brought back.
Acuff was born in the village of Carruthersville , Missouri. Had his
schooling there. He's of French-Irish ancestry. Has brown eyes and dark
brown hair, is five ten and a half inches in height and weighs 170 pounds.
Eventually, Eddie took to the road as an actor. He was blackface
comedian with a medicine show; a barker for a girl show that was part of a
street carnival; a comedian on French's Sensation Showboat that played the
rivers, and a member of stock companies in such places as Saugerties, N. Y.,
and Shickshinny, Pa.
In New York, he played in "Heat Lightning," "Yellow Jack," "Growing
Pains," "Hide and Seek," "The Jayhawker" and several others.
He has no luxuries, drives a second-hand flivver, is unmarried, and
still is, to quote himself, just a Missouri hick."
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has played
in: "I Found Stella Parish," "Backfire," "Petrified Forest," "Miss Pacific
Fleet," "Jailbreak," "Case of the Velvet Claws," "Guns of the Pecos," "Black
Legion," "The Singing Marine," "They Won't Forget," "Back in Circulation,"
"Love Is on the Air," "Missing Witnesses," "Without Warning," "Hollywood
Hotel," "Swing Your Lady."
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BRIAN AHERNE
Brian Aherne was born Brian de Lacey Aherne on May 2, 1902, at King's
Norton, Worcestershire, England, making him British with a dash of Irish.
His father was an architect, and he is a descendant of Mrs. Siddons.
Attended grammar school in Birmingham, then went to Malvern College.
Played Cricket, Soccer and Football. Took part in many school dramatics, but
at this time it was his ambition to leave school as soon as possible and find
his place in the world.
Went on the stage, he declares, because he couldn't get any other
job. Credits his mother for finding his first stage opportunity.
His first play was "Puss in Boots." His favorite role was in the
play, "White Cargo," and his favorite screen role was that of Lewis Dodd in
"The Constant Nymph."
Has played with more famous stage and screen stars than he cares to
name, including Noel Coward, Katharine Cornell, Basil Rathbone, Marlene Diet-
rich, Helen Hayes, Ann Harding, Merle Oberon, Dion Boucicault, Katherine Hep-
burn, Johnstone Forbes-Robertson and hundreds of others.
Says he went on the screen because an agent, whose name he has for-
gotten, offered him a job. Was one of the foremost British film stars in
silent days and refused Hollywood offers for nearly ten years before he came
here.
Was anxious to gain experience and to lay a proper foundation for his
career, as he has always believed it to be a mistake for an actor to capital-
ize upon his youthful appearance. He believes an actor should be at his best
between 40 and 50, because if he has developed properly then he should have
something to give the public.
Declares there is little of interest about him personally, apart from
his career, which he says has been very interesting and exciting.
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He has never believed in snatching at immediate profits for wealth,
but likes to do only the work, and the roles which interest him.
Says he isn't a bit ambitious, and has no idea what sort of work he
would do if he ever left the stage or screen. Outside of acting, he glibly
states that he is most interested in publicity. But more than that he is
greatly interested in flying.
Names as his favorites of the American screen Greta Garbo and James
Cagney.
Is interested in all countries of the globe, and has traveled or
played in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece, Egypt, Sicily, Australia,
Ceylon, Samoa, Hawaii, Canada, Madeira, Mexico, Cuba, and United States.
But prefers to buy his clothes in London.
Doesn't sketch or paint, isn't particularly musical, but announces
that he can dance and sing.
Says he has had no pet economies since he has been in Hollywood, and
that his favorite extravagances are — women. Ask him what his suppressed de-
sire is and he will say, ■Aha!"
Does nothing whatever to keep fit, nor does he diet. Enjoys all
sorts of food. Can cook a little, but doesn't do it often.
Plays golf, tennis, swims, flies, and enjoys horseback riding. Says
he does all sports a little but none very well. Likes to watch polo, and
first class tennis matches, but doesn't care much about prize fights.
Names as his favorite books Tolstoi's "War and Peace," and "Anna
Karenina;" Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire"; Thackeray's "Van-
ity Fair"; and Maurois' "Les Silences du Colonel Bremble."
Doesn't own any pets, but drives a Ford convertible roadster. Does
not own a boat, nor a beach house, nor mountain cabin.
His favorite color is blue, but he doesn't favor any particular
flower for his button-hole.
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Is very much interested in governmental problems and politics.
Sandwiched in between his theatrical work he once dabbled in architecture,
and was once a West African merchant.
His hobbies — flying, riding, and sleeping. But he does not collect
anything such as first editions, or knick-knacks, or curios.
Declares that he doesn't save money willingly and that his financial
program is very indefinite. Has no business manager, but employs a secretary.
Says he has lots of good luck charms, and when it comes to superstitions, he
has them all, and all equally strong.
He is six feet two and one half inches tall, weighs 186 pounds, has
blue eyes and light brown hair.
His productions made for Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., include: "The
Great Garrick."
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KENNY BAKER
Kenneth Lawrence (Kenny) Baker. Born at Monrovia, California, Sep-
tember 30, 1912, the only child of Gordon C. Baker, furniture dealer, and
Dorothy A. Baker. Educated at Monrovia Grammar Schools ; at Robert Louis Stev-
enson Junior High (Los Angeles) , Long Beach High School and nearly two years
at Long Beach Junior College. Left latter when earthquake partially destroyed
building and made classrooms exceedingly crowded and progress difficult.
As a boy believed he might become a violinist as he had been assist-
ant leader and concert-master of the Stevenson Junior High orchestra. Later
in the Long Beach schools he developed his singing voice and sang at assem-
blies and entertainments eventually giving up his violin. As he grew older
Baker learned that he possessed an exceptionally wide range of voice, but his
modesty and lack of professional coaching hampered his progress.
Getting a summer time Job in a Los Angeles furniture store he spent
most of his savings on vocal lessons trying out a dozen different teachers in
a few months. In 1930 he sang at a few entertainments, in churches and at
various functions in and around Los Angeles, but when he had to get a job the
next summer he had to forsake his dreams again.
He got a job at Boulder Dam (Las Vegas, Nevada), then on a farm in
New Mexico and when he returned to Los Angeles he got a few days work singing
with a choral group in a Ramon Novarro picture. This kindled his ambition all
over again and when his mother persuaded him to enter the current trials for
the national Atwater-Kent Radio audition, he began to study with Edward Novis,
brother of Donald Novis, former Atwater-Kent national winner, but Baker could
finish no better than second in the Long Beach district.
This defeat only sharpened his determination and when he returned to
Long Beach Junior College he received encouragement and help from his former
teacher, Miss Edith Hitchcock. Every opportunity to sing was accepted and
Baker called himself "the service club tenor" because of his many appearances
13
before Lions, Kiwanians and Rotarians. He wanted to sing and there were many
who wanted singers without charge.
His first radio job was a 15 minute sustaining program on Station
KFOX, Long Beach. For 20 weeks these semi-weekly broadcasts gave him experi-
ence, local reputation and confidence. On May 6, 1933 he married his high
school sweetheart, Geraldine Churchill. An engagement to sing at the First
Church of Christ Scientist at Santa Anita followed, then came a job as top
tenor with a radio quartette at California Christian College in Los Angeles
which brought $19.00 a week and meals for Baker and his wife.
Later Baker joined the Cardinal quartette singing at parties and
over the radio and when this group broke up Baker joined Bud Carpenter and
Art Whitley, two dancers, in a trio at the newly opened Biltmore Bowl in Los
Angeles. Here, for nine weeks he sang intermission solos and such popular
songs as the program demanded and then through agent Dudley Chambers he got
work as a 'background' singer at Paramount, Fox and Walt Disney. "The World
Moves on" (Fox) and "The Goddess of Spring" (Disney) ; first presented Baker's
voice but without credit.
Later he joined the Uptowners Quartette (Los Angeles) and for several
months enjoyed local success. Although Baker had lost faith in contests, his
mother talked him into entering Eddie Duchin's Texaco Radio contest and he
sent his qualifications into the judges and temporarily forgot all about it.
One day several weeks later (June, 1935) when Baker was half through
a job in Lawrence Tibbett's "Metropolitan" picture at Fox, he was notified
that his contest audition would be next morning. He sang, and was immediately
notified that he would enter the semi-finals the next day. This would neces-
sitate walking out on the Fox job.
Much to the disgust of the Fox singing director Baker obtained a
"leave of absence" for an hour, competed in the semi-finals and was told he
could enter the finals right away. Encouraged but tired and under nervous
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strain he sang again and won the contest. Returning to Fox studios he found
he had held up a company nearly two hours.
But his hopes ran high. Winning this contest gave him his first na-
tional broadcast (Texaco) and a week's engagement at the Los Angeles Ambassa-
dor's famous Cocoanut Grove at $100 a week. Once at this famous night spot
Baker scored an immediate hit and was signed to sing not only with Eddie
Duchin for the length of his engagement but with Ozzie Nelson and Al Lyons,
who followed him.
Early in his Cocoanut Grove engagement Baker met Mervyn LeRoy, Warner
Bros, producer-director, who was so impressed that he gave him a personal con-
tract, for picture work. At the conclusion of the Cocoanut Grove engagement
Baker was loaned to Fox (by LeRoy) for a singing role in "King of Burlesque."
Then, through LeRoy, and the fact that Jack Benny had heard Baker sing on the
national broadcasts from the Cocoanut Grove, Baker was given a trial booking
on the Jack Benny- Jello hour in October, 1935, and a seven weeks contract was
followed by another for 13 weeks and a trip to New York (February, 1936) .
This was Baker's first train trip and first visit East of the Rockies. En-
gagements at various theatres in the East followed with unusual success crown-
ing the young tenor's every appearance.
In October, 1936, when Jack Benny returned to the air again, Kenny
Baker joined him again with a 39 weeks contract. Two weeks later he was given
a featured singing role in Mervyn LeRoy' s "The King and the Chorus Girl," with
Fernand Gravet and Joan Blondell.
Baker is six feet tall, weighs 161 pounds, has blue eyes and natu-
rally wavy dark brown hair. His hobbies are playing golf and chopping wood.
He finds that chopping down trees and splitting knotty wood is excellent exer-
cise and when this is too strenuous he plays handball. Edward Novis is still
Baker's singing instructor and advisor. He practices at least an hour each
day. In the 1937 Radio Guide poll Baker was third among the male singers of
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radio and the New York World-Telegram poll brought the same result. He has
no ambition to take up opera. He aspires, rather, to the place in America's
musical affection once held by the noted Irish tenor, John McCormack. Ballads
and semi-classical numbers are his favorites and he tries, in each singing
appearance, to take full advantage of his exceptional voice range.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his current
pictures include: "The King and the Chorus Girl," "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air."
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JOAN BLONDELL
Joan Blondell, christened Rose, was born in New York City, August 30,
1909. Her father and mother were old stage troupers and a property trunk was
her first cradle. At the age of four months she was carried on the stage of
the Globe Theatre as the daughter of Peggy Astaire in "The Greatest Love."
She has been on the stage during the twenty odd years of her inter-
esting life. Has played repertory all over the globe, tank towns in China,
split weeks in Australia, one-night stands in Germany, and she has crossed the
continent of the United States fifty-six times while playing in vaudeville.
Has been a circus hand, a clerk in a New York department store for the short-
est period anyone ever held a job — fifteen minutes. And now she is one of
the most promising stars in the movies.
She was educated while on tour in vaudeville and while in New York.
In New York she attended the College of Industrial Arts where she was promi-
nent on the swimming team. Wanted to get school all washed up in a hurry and
go back to work so she threw caution to the winds and shipped to Australia on
a cattle boat with a theatrical troupe.
Amazing publicity stories come out of Hollywood about its people,
some of them apologetic in their brashness and others just plain brazen. Be-
cause of this one hesitates to present the fact that Joan is a direct descend-
ant of a merry minstrel dubbed David Blondell, who was one of the original
troubadours that Richard the Lion-Hearted took with him on crusades to sing
entertaining ballads, roundelays, hey-nonny-ohs , and the "Frankie and Johnny"
of the period. Take it or leave it.
But returning to the present century, La Blondell eventually returned
to New York, and after pounding the pavement for several months, secured a
prominent role in the stage play, "The Trial of Mary Dugan." Then came a more
important role on Broadway in "Maggie the Magnificent." Then a still more
important role in "Penny Arcade," in which she played opposite a rising young
actor named James Cagney.
: '
: ■
"
17
Her motion picture opportunity came when Al Jolson urged Warner Bros,
to buy "Penny Arcade" for the screen. Joan Blondell and Jimmy Cagney were
signed to go to Hollywood to play their original stage roles, because Jolson
thought they were great. That was the beginning for both of them, "Penny
Arcade" having been retitled "Sinner's Holiday."
Joan prefers the screen to the stage, declaring, "More money in the
movies. Not that money is everything — no, indeedy!" Wants to make enough
money to eventually retire and travel around the world in style. In reply to
the question: If you left the stage or screen what sort of a position would
you seek, she replies, "I'd love to be the driver of a hook-and-ladder. " She
says she might also like to be a sergeant of marines aboard a battleship.
Her favorites of the screen are Barbara Stanwyck, Dick Powell, James
Cagney and George Brent: and of the stage, Helen Hayes and Leslie Howard.
Favorite playwright is George Kelly — author of "Maggie the Magnificent," a
play she would like to do on the screen; and her favorite composer is George
Gershwin. Loves music and enjoys playing the piano. Plays with two fingers
— one on each hand.
Is superstitious and for some reason will not start a picture on a
Tuesday. Between pictures she takes a brief vacation at Wheeler's, Hot
Springs, Cal. She reads all of her fan mail and answers it personally when
she has time.
She prefers to live in Hollywood because it is near her work. "Other-
wise," she says, "I would prefer to live in Hollywood."
Never goes to Hollywood parties but she likes to dance at the Am-
bassador. She seldom attends gala opening nights, but prefers to mingle with
the crowd and watch the stars come in.
Declares New York is the best place to buy smart clothes, because
she knows "lots of special shops." But she wears lounging pajamas most of the
18
time when she is not working — and when she is resting at the studios you
will see her in a pair of white duck trousers and a sweat shirt.
She does nothing in particular to keep fit. Well — she skips rope.
Likes to take long hikes and is a champion swimmer. Takes dancing lessons all
the time. Is a good tennis player but is not interested in golf. Likes to
jump into her Ford roadster and loaf her way around California when she has
the opportunity.
She likes to watch football games but she is crazy about prize
fights. Goes to the fights once a week. Likes to watch a fast tennis match,
or a swimming meet with champions in the swim.
If she has any diet it is skimmed milk and baked potatoes — for three
days. She has two favorite dishes when she wants to go on a gastronomic
spree. One is chop suey. The other is hamburger steak — and the hamburger
simply must have salted almonds chopped up in it.
She doesn't bother much with beauty formulas. Washes her teeth with
peroxide and water once a week, and uses the Amos 'n' Andy brand of tooth
paste. Washes her hair in kerosene and shampoos and dresses it herself.
Hates to comb her hair. Is forever taking a "shower." And she is always sun-
burned. Believes in plenty of sleep and she sleeps on her stomach.
She likes to read. Her favorite novel is "If I Were King" by Justin
Huntley McCarthy. Likes the poems of John V. A. Weaver and the prose of Ber-
nard Shaw and Ernest Hemingway.
She owns a pair of dachshunds known collectively as "The Thundering
Herd," but she would like to have a tame lion for a pet. Has a Persian cat
she named "Washy" because she bought it in Washington, D. C. Has never been
in an aeroplane, and doesn't ever want to fly. Just doesn't like the idea.
Would like to own a nice sleek yacht some day. Likes to sail, too.
She dislikes beets, diets, bridge, getting sand in her fingernails
at the beach, gentlemanly mashers, and ritzy people. Doesn't like to wear a
19
hat and she doesn't care a whoop for jewelry. Is afraid of spiders. Doesn't
like any kind of bug very much. Doesn't like to answer the telephone.
She loves soda pop and cider and adores her kid sister, Gloria, who
has played on the Broadway and Hollywood stage. Is generous to a fault and
one of the most popular stars in Hollywood. The studio stage hands and elec-
tricians call her "Blondell" — a sign that she is regular.
Romance? Well, as January, 1933 came in, Joan and George Barnes, an
ace cameraman, eloped and were quietly married in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1934
little Norman Scott Barnes was born. In the summer of 1935 a separation was
announced. Incompatibility. Then a divorce to make it final. The Hollywood
gossips began to couple the names of Joan and Dick Powell. Denials. Then
the pair quietly booked passage on the Santa Paula. Were married aboard on
September 19th, 1936, on the sailing date and had a honeymoon cruise through
the Panama Canal with stops along the way with a brief and hectic wind-up in
New York where an elaborate Harbor Welcome surprised them. They are living
happily ever after in a fine house Powell bought in Beverly Hills.
Joan is five feet four inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, has grey eyes
and blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Brothers-First National Pictures,
Inc., and her pictures include: "Illicit," "Public Enemy," "Union Depot,"
■The Crowd Roars," "Miss Pinkerton," "Central Park," "Gold Diggers of 1933,"
"Goodbye Again," "Footlight Parade," "Convention City," "He Was Her Man,"
"Dames," "Broadway Gondolier," "Sons O'Guns," "Bullets or Ballots," "Stage
Struck," "Three Men On a Horse," "Gold Diggers of 1937," "The King and the
Chorus Girl," "Back In Circulation," "The Perfect Specimen."
20
GLORIA BLONDELL
Gloria Blondell, sister of Joan, was born in New York, during a theat-
rical engagement of her parents, Edward Blondell and Katheryn Cain. Date, a
certain August 16th.
Seven months later she was carried on the stage by her father as part
of his act. She took her first bow, and saw for the first time what caused
the applause, which hitherto had come to her cradle in the dressing rooms.
That sound has been familiar to Gloria ever since, for she has never been long
away from the theatre.
After attending grammar school, she attended high school in Hollywood
and Beverly Hills. Entered the University of California, but a stage offer
came along. In school Gloria played tennis and baseball, and was one of the
most facile students, (except in mathematics).
Gloria's theatrical tours took her to every part of the United States
and Australia. She played in stock at Ann Arbor, New London, Bristol, Tenn.,
and the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. Her vaudeville tours with her
parents in the sketch, "The Lost Boy," rounded the Orpheum, Pantages, and
Loew's circuits.
She lists as her favorite movie players Joan Blondell and Dick Pow-
ell. Just like a Blondell!
Didn't enter pictures sooner because she wanted to make her own repu-
tation. Not play on Joan's. Stayed on the stage until she had "clicked" on
Broadway in "Three Men on a Horse."
That hit, coming after "Iron Men," and road shows of "Personal Ap-
pearance," "She Loves Me Not," and "It's a Wise Child," proved her ability.
Following "Three Men on a Horse" she packed for California, ready for the
movies.
■- ■
■
21
She side-stepped the Warner Studio, believing that her slight resem-
blance to Joan might be "agin" her. But a Warner talent scout persuaded her
to make a test. It was successful, and so she was promptly signed.
If Gloria gave up The Drama, she'd turn to commercial art. Along
with music, singing and dancing, painting and sketching are her best accom-
plishments. Has done some interior decorating, some wood-carving and sculp-
ture for fun. "And," says Gloria, "I have my own etchings!"
Clothes interest her. Prefers to buy the dressier kind in New York,
but likes Hollywood for sports and informal garments. Dislikes nothing ex-
cept cards and inactivity; has no pet economies, and her extravagances are
clothes and gifts for her friends.
Enjoys swimming, tennis, badminton, golf, Softball. Proficient in
all except golf. Shoots in the "high hundreds."
She doesn't diet. Likes ice cream and pickles, tuna, lobster and so
on, with milk. Never has a tummy ache! Also loves chop suey and thick steaks
with mushrooms. No onions, please!
Enjoys football, baseball, tennis, bowling, prize fights, and wrest-
ling bouts. Names as her favorite books "Night Life of the Gods," by Thorne
Smith; the Collected Works of Rupert Brooke, "The Way of a Lancer," by the
late Richard Boleslavsky; and "The Way of a Transgressor," by Negley Farson.
Isn't married or engaged. Steps around with Hollywood's younger
set. Has a Boston Bull terrier named "Amos" because of a fancied resemblance
to the radio star. Names everything. Her Ford coupe being "Susie Belle."
Blue is her favorite color; sweet peas just nose out forget-me-nots,
in her favor. Her chief hobby is correspondence. Once she belonged to a
"now-you-write-to-me" club! Once held a job as librarian in a rental li-
brary. Collects perfume, first editions of friends' books. She's a fair
bowler, scoring 156 currently.
22
Sleeps in a not-too-soft bed — "you can't sleep soft after a life-
time of theatrical hotels." Wears filmy nightgowns in warm weather, pajamas
when it's cooler. On her left shoulder blade is a tiny semi-circle, where a
tattoo artist had just begun to put a butterfly at Gloria's insistence. Her
mother caught her in the nick of time !
Has a good-luck ring which a bashful high school boy in Beverly Hills
left with a note on her desk, without revealing his name. Doesn't wear it
but carries it always, even when she's sleeping or in swimming.
Breaking a mirror is good luck, as it was for sister Joan. Joan
broke a mirror just before her first movie test, and was alarmed until the
test launched her on the road to stardom. And just before Gloria's test, she
accidentally broke a large mirror.
She is five feet 3 inches tall, weighs 108 pounds, has brown eyes
and brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include: "Accidents Will Happen," "Highway Pirates."
23
HUMPHREY BOGART
Humphrey Bogart is his real name and he was born in New York City on
December 25, 1900. (But demands birthday presents as well as Christmas pres-
ents) . His mother is a noted artist and his father was a famous surgeon.
Was educated in Trinity Grammar school, Trinity High school, and
completed his education in Andover College. Was never interested in drama-
tics at school but went in for baseball. Declares that at this time he was a
drifter without much ambition, and with no desire except to dodge study.
Got into the theatre quite by accident. Went to see William Brady
and got a business job in the theatrical producer's office, and then became
assistant stage manager. Credits William Brady and Grace George as giving
him his first stage part.
Played in no end of successful stage plays including "Ruined Lady,"
"Saturday's Children," "A Most Immoral Lady," "It's a Wise Child," and "The
Petrified Forest" in which he played the same role on the screen. He played
in stock in Skowhegan, Cohasset, Stockbridge, Dennis, Baltimore and Newark.
After taking fifteen tests he was given his first motion picture
contract. His favorite role on both stage and screen is that of the bad man,
Duke Mantee, in "The Petrified Forest." His favorite actors are Leslie How-
ard, Helen Hayes, and Bette Davis.
His present ambition is to make enough money to retire. Outside of
acting he is most interested in music. If he ever left theatricals he would
like to play the bull fiddle in an orchestra, which he declares he plays very
well.
Likes to sketch and paint. Is something of a water color artist, and
also makes chessmen out of ivory.
Isn't particularly interested in clothes and would just as soon buy
them in Hollywood, in New York, or any other place. He declares that croon-
24
ers are his pet aversion. That his suppressed desire is to play the piano.
That his favorite extravagance is — neckties.
His pet economies are — caddies. He hates to carry his own golf
clubs, is something of a golfer, and his best score is 83. Likes to watch
baseball games, football, and prize fights.
Doesn't go in for any diet. Can eat steak any time. He can cook.
His favorite books are "Big Money" by Dos Passos, "The Innocent
Voyage" by Richard Hughes, "Decline of the West" by Spengler, and "Sawdust
Caesar. "
He has a Sealyham named Dorarich Butch. Drives a Buick and a Ford.
Doesn't own a boat.
His favorite color is brown and his favorite flower is hibiscus. Is
interested in government problems and politics.
His favorite indoor game is chess. Ask him what he collects in the
way of antiques, and he will tell you — rubber checks written by famous peo-
ple. He has a good luck charm in the form of a scarab, but he declares that
he isn't a bit superstitious.
He has brown eyes and brown hair, is five feet 11 inches tall and
weighs 152 pounds.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and his recent pro-
ductions include: "The Petrified Forest," "Bullets or Ballots," "Two Against
The World," "China Clipper," "Isle of Fury," "The Great O'Malley," "Black
Legion," "San Quentin," "Marked Woman," "Kid Galahad," ("Dead End" for Gold-
wyn) , "Swing Your Lady."
25
VEDA ANN BORG
Veda Ann Borg is her real name and she was born on January 11, 1915
in Boston, Massachusetts, making her a Swedish-American. Attended Prince
School there, then Girls High School.
In school she played tennis, basketball, was a champion swimmer and
something of a bowler.
It was her early ambition to be a fashion designer, then she began
thinking of that place called Hollywood.
Sent some portraits of herself to the New York office of Paramount.
They wrote her a letter saying words to the effect, "Come up and see us some-
time." She did and made a test, then off to Hollywood. Her first picture
was "Three Cheers For Love." Then she was signed by Warner Bros.
If she gave up screen work she would go back to fashion designing.
She still plays at sketching and designing.
Her favorites of the screen are Greta Garbo, Leslie Howard, Wayne
Morris and Edward G. Robinson.
Hasn't any pet aversions or economies, and her extravagance is snap-
ping up oriental jewelry. To keep fit she plays tennis, swims, and yells
her lungs off at polo matches.
Does not go in for any diet, but likes nice, big, thick, juicy
steaks.
Her favorite color is black, and if it's a black dress she is wear-
ing, she likes to pin a gardenia on it.
Outside of oriental jewelry, she collects little Chinese men in jade
and ivory.
Veda Ann Borg is five feet 5 inches tall, weighs 118 pounds, has
brown eyes and red hair.
26
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and has appeared in
"San Quentin," "The Case of the Stuttering Bishop," "The Singing Marine,"
"Public Wedding," "Confession," "It's Love I'm After," "Missing Witnesses,"
"She Loved a Fireman."
27
GEORGE BRENT
He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on March 15th, 1904. Most of his
ancestors served in the British Army, but his father was a newspaper man.
Brent's earliest ambition was to go in for a military career; his ambition
during his school days was to get out of school.
Had a varied career in his homeland. Worked for two years as a
sailor on freighters off the Cornish Coast. Was once a sheep herder in Ire-
land. Worked for nine months in a diamond mine and for six months as a
blacksmith.
Was educated in Dublin and graduated from the National University.
He was active in sports and played baseball and football and is still an
enthusiast in these two major sports. His interest in the drama began when
he was in College and shortly after graduation he joined the famous company
at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
Then came the Irish Rebellion and Brent went in for it heart and soul
and became dispatch bearer for Michael Collins. He was a rebel secret ser-
vice man for almost two years, then things got too hot for him and he fled to
— of all places — London. Things began to get warm in London and he left
hastily and came to Canada on a freighter.
All paths lead to New York and Brent took one of them hoping for a
stage career. Admits he practically lived the life of a hobo for two years.
Got one of his first stock company engagements at Elitch's Gardens in Denver
where he remained for two seasons as leading man. Played in other stock com-
panies throughout the country, managed six companies of his own, and played
about 300 leading roles.
Popped into New York and made his first Broadway appearance in John
Golden* s play, "Those We Love." Then he appeared as Alice Brady's leading
man in "Love, Honor and Betray." In this production was another young actor
who resembled him so much that one was often mistaken for the other. The
bOB nlid
a.
: ■-: .
i
■ ■■
■i .
28
young man answers to the name of Clark Gable. They are still mistaken for
one another in the celluloid wilds of Hollywood.
He now prefers the screen to the stage because of the wider scope it
offers. His favorite screen role to date is in "Stranded" in which he co-
starred with Kay Francis. His favorites of the screen are Kay Francis,
Loretta Young, Leslie Howard, and James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. Tom Barry is
his favorite playwright. His favorite music is any composition by any Irish
composer. This also goes for poetry. Next to drama he is most interested in
music. And after that, good books.
Has traveled extensively and would like to live in Southern France.
Likes the climate and the people. Does not like New York, preferring Holly-
wood. His clothes once bore the label of a London tailor, but he has found a
sartorial artist in Hollywood who is equally as good. He dresses conserva-
tively and in good taste, but he dislikes wearing a hat.
To keep fit he does nothing unusual but indulges in his favorite
sports, tennis and lots of horseback riding. Has inherited the tastes of his
cavalryman ancestors and is an expert rider. Is mad about horses and is a
good polo player. Likes to watch a polo match if he can't play in it, or a
championship tennis match. Recently became an aviation enthusiast, and has a
pilot's license. He is a good scrapper. Enjoys deep sea fishing. Is de-
cidedly a fresh air fiend, but he doesn't like too cold weather.
He favors no diets. Has one favorite dish. Irish stew. But he
swears by American cooking. Likes a thick juicy steak, hash browned pota-
toes, and old-fashioned strawberry short cake. Dislikes milk and says it
makes him instantly ill. Goes heavy for orange juice. Likes all kinds of
crackers.
Does a lot of reading and has a huge library which he claims has been
his favorite excess baggage. His favorite authors are Donn Byrne and a new
rising young Irish author, Francis Stuart, as well as that constantly rising
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29
author, Bernard Shaw. Reads every biography that comes out, and always has a
book with him on the "set."
Goes in strongly for pets, owning two black Scotties. Also has a
stable of horses for polo as well as some hunters. His new plane is giving
his horses a rest.
Speaks with a slight brogue. Is exceptionally quiet in private life
and likes eating lunch alone with a book propped up in front of him. Is ex-
ceedingly nervous and has a habit of blinking his eyes. Does not smoke a
pipe but is constantly smoking cigarettes. When being interviewed he bears a
calm countenance, but declares he is always frightened and never knows what
to talk about. He is an expert chess player. Plays the piano very well.
Now that he is "in the money" he would like to travel around the
world in style. Would like to explore the Pyramids in Egypt and go to Africa
to find out where elephants go when they die. He has a sense of humor.
He likes intelligent women. Leading us to his marriage with Ruth
Chatterton. In August 1932 George Brent was in New York making a personal
appearance on the stage. Ruth Chatterton was in Paris obtaining a divorce
from Ralph Forbes. During the same month Miss Chatterton returned to New
York and denied all reports that she intended to marry George Brent. Conse-
quently, no one was greatly surprised when the New York papers carried the
story that she had quietly become Mrs. George Brent in the little town of
Harrison just outside of New York City. In 1934 this romance came to an end
with an amicable divorce. Now they are "the best of friends."
George Brent is six feet one inch tall, weighs 170 pounds, has hazel
eyes and blue-black hair.
He is under contract to Warner Brothers and First National Pictures
and his most important productions include: "The Rich Are Always With Us,"
"So Big," "The Purchase Price," "Miss Pinkerton," "The Crash," "Week End Mar-
riage," "42nd Street," "The Keyhole," "Baby Face," "Lilly Turner," "Desir-
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-TieeQ" '.lemoT ylllJ- ",aoBl ydsS" -.aloriyeX ariT" -.feailE bnS*- • ,eaali
able," "The Right to Live," "Living on Velvet," "Stranded," "The Goose and
the Gander," "Front Page Woman," "Special Agent," "Snowed Under," "Golden
Arrow," "Give Me Your Heart," "God's Country and the Woman," "Mountain Jus-
tice," "The Go Getter," "Submarine-D-1, " "Gold Is Where You Find It."
31
SHEILA BROMLEY
When the numerologists were half way through with Sheila Fulton, she
was Sheila Manners: when they were all done, she was Sheila Bromley. Maybe
the fact that she was born, Hallowe'en night, October 31st, 1911, is partly
responsible for a superstitious trend of mind.
Born in San Francisco, she is one of the few "Miss California"
beauty contest winners still successfully active. She won first prize in a
newspaper contest accidentally, a friend having entered her name as a
contestant .
She attended San Francisco Grammar School, Los Angeles High and
Berkeley College. Was a pledge of Pi Beta Phi. Is fond of athletics and was
school champion tennis player — captain of the Volley ball team, and pitcher
on the Softball Baseball nine.
Her early ambition was to be dancer. While she has appeared on the
stage as a dancer, she has also been a waitress, a cashier, clerk in a depart-
ment store. Would prefer being a private secretary today, if she again had
to earn her living in the business world.
Her present ambition is to be a "really swell character and comedy
actress . "
George Sherwood gave her the first chance to realize that ambition
with a comedy relief part in "A Man's Man." She also played in "The Terrible
Turk," "The Borgias" and "Postscript to Youth." She was in two plays at the
Pasadena Community Playhouse.
Her first screen role was in "Daddy Long Legs" and as Sheila Manners
she has played the heroine in many Western flickers. "That's Gratitude" and
"Lady Be Careful" were others.
She has traveled in Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada, but India,
Egypt and England interest her most.
- -1 i"-> .If.'.'l
32
She likes to play tennis, ping pong. Has a passion for all card
games and games of chance. Takes sun-baths to keep fit, enjoys horseback
riding, and gets a thrill watching hockey and football games.
Hates parades and crowds. Saving rubber bands is her pet economy.
Her pet extravagance is buying hats and clothes which she buys preferably in
San Francisco and New York.
Can cook, but doesn't. Has a housekeeper. Caviar is her favorite
dish. Does not diet. Sleep, she claims, protects her good looks. When not
working, she rises whenever she feels entirely rested, early or late.
Her pet hobby is collecting toy dogs. Has a flock of them in porce-
lain. Her live pet, "Tiny Tim" is an all white Maltese Terrier.
Her good luck charm is a platinum Masonic emblem. Her strongest
superstition is "not to talk about anything till it actually happens." The
three monkeys' "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," is her motto.
She is five feet 2!4 inches tall, weighs 108 pounds, has blue eyes
and light brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her pic-
tures include: "West of Shanghai," "Missing Witnesses," "Accidents Will
Happen. "
33
JANE BRYAN
Jane Bryan was born Jane O'Brien in no other place than Hollywood,
California on June 11, 1918. Attended the Third Street Grammar school, then
Marymount Convent and University High.
Was active in sports in school — playing basketball, volley ball,
tennis and hockey.
A bit of the theatrical popped up in her during her school days when
she played the role of Puck in "A Midsumaer Night's Dream" and Touchstone in
"As You Like It."
None of her relatives have been on the stage or connected with theat-
ricals in any way. Her father is a prominent attorney, and she has three
younger brothers.
This burning ambition to be an actress was ignited at the early age
of 8 years. Acted before the mirror and before her startled family, and then
came her school plays.
Her first actual stage work began under the guidance of Jean Muir,
at Miss Muir's Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles. Played in "March Hares" and
the feminine lead in "Green Grow The Lilacs." A Warner scout saw her in the
latter play, gave her a test, and that was the beginning.
Since her screen career has begun she credits Bette Davis as being
the most helpful person around the Studio to coach her in acting and screen
technique.
She lists as her screen favorites Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Charles
Laughton, Leslie Howard and Edward G. Robinson.
She enjoys screen work tremendously but has a suppressed desire to
be successful on the stage. Is not interested in any other form of work as a
life work, with the exception of music or literature. But she has never
written for publication, and she declares she does not play the piano. Has
only been outside of Hollywood once and that was to Canada. She liked it.
34
Likes smart clothes, and the Hollywood shops are good enough for her.
When it comes to pet hates she lists turnips, eggs, and she hates to
wear a hat at any time.
Has no pet economies because she isn't very good at economizing.
Declares she is terribly extravagant especially when it comes to buying
books, and she shoots the works on hot fudge sundaes.
To keep fit she plays tennis, swims like a mermaid, walks like mad,
and swings a mean fencing foil. Doesn't go for any diet. Has a healthy ap-
petite and lists as her favorite things to eat dill pickles, fresh lime ric-
keys, rare beefsteaks with mushrooms, chocolate cake. Says none of this
stuff affects her weight.
She can cook and does so sometimes just for the dickens of it.
Outdoors she plays tennis and badminton, and she likes to go to polo
matches and champion tennis matches. Doesn't care much for prize fights.
Has a huge library of her favorite books and lists A. A. Milne,
(especially his Winnie the Pooh), Christopher Morley's books, "My Life In
Art," by Stanislavski , all books on Leonardo da Vinci, Mark Twain, and a few
of the better detective story writers.
Has a pair of spaniels named Sceetan and Sisty. Names also as pets
the family Ford and a Buick roadster. Has a mountain cabin at Clear Lake
Park.
Her favorite color is brown and when it comes to flowers give her
white violets. Is not very interested in politics, and doesn't collect any-
thing in particular, such as jade elephants or other gadgets. As her hobbies
she names reading books as tops, and declares when she doesn't read she plays
ping pong.
Hasn't saved any money so far, but has a definite financial program
and a business manager. Promises she will start to save any minute.
35
Hasn't any good luck charm and is not one bit superstitious.
Jane Bryan is five feet three inches tall, weighs 113 pounds, has
grey eyes and light brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and her current
productions include: "The Captain's Kid," "Marked Woman," "Kid Galahad,"
"Confession," "A Slight Case of Murder."
.... i
. • ■
36
MELVILLE COOPER
Melville Cooper was born on October 15, 1896, in Birmingham,
England.
He had been ambitious to be an actor since school days. So he "just
went on the stage." It was during his school days that he appeared in the
play "David Garrick," hardly dreaming that at some time in the future he would
be facing movie cameras in Hollywood fn a screen version.
He was seventeen when he decided not to be a banker like his father
but an actor. Got his first stage opportunity from Sir Barry Jackson. He
has appeared in innumerable hits during his 24 years on the stage. Among his
most important have been "Journey's End," "Laburnum Grove," "Tovarich," "Ju-
bilee," "Wings Over Europe," "Back to Methuselah," "The Farmer's Wife" and C.
B. Cochran's Revues of 1927, 1928, and 1930.
Stage career was interrupted by the World War. Was in the fray for
four years and spent a year in a German Prison Camp.
He has appeared on the stage with such other famous players as Sir
Cedric Hardwicke, Edith Evans, Mary Boland, John Gielgud, Leslie Banks and
Edmund Gwenn.
Douglas Fairbanks was responsible for his first screen role in "The
Private Life of Don Juan." Since then he has appeared in "The Bishop Misbe-
haves," "Gorgeous Hussy," "The Last of Mrs. Cheney," and "Thin Ice."
Sandwiched in between his London engagements are more than 200 dif-
ferent roles in English stock companies.
His favorite stage role was that of Lef tenant Trotter in "Journey's
End."
His favorite screen role to date is that of Pickard, President of
the Comedie Francais, in "The Great Garrick."
His favorite art form is music. He has never written anything, plays
no musical instruments, but enjoys dancing and singing. Says he has no
accomplishments. Can't whistle very well. Relaxes with reading and putter-
37
ing. Likes to putter and to talk. Leans to the whimsical.
His pet aversions? Hates to go to bed early and he hates to get up
early. London is the place where he buys his clothes.
Says he can't spell his suppressed desire. His pet economy is golf
balls. Tries to make them go long ways, on the course and in service. Goes
only to the finest restaurants. Is rather a gourmet so he plays golf and
tennis to keep his weight down. Filet Mignon and roast chicken are his
favorite dishes.
Since coming to America, Cooper has become a baseball enthusiast.
Occasionally he goes to the "fights." On the intellectual side, as evidenced
in favorite books, he lists "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, "Gerald" by
Daphne du Maurier and "My First Two Thousand Years" by Paul Eldredge and
George Sylvester Viereck.
He is married to Rita Page, the English actress. They have been
married for six years. She is his second wife. He has a daughter, Valerie,
sixteen, from his first marriage. The Coopers have two cocker spaniels,
Maxie and Bundle.
On the indoor side he likes poker and bridge. Can play almost any
card game, being something of a walking Hoyle. Collects nothing at all, he
tries to save money, but he has no financial program. He has no supersti-
tions.
He says that he has always been full of ambition to succeed and that
even in the worst times his ambition never left him. He thinks that has been
the greatest aid to his career.
Cooper is five feet 9 3/4 inches tall, weighs 175 pounds, has blue
eyes and brown hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his latest
pictures include: "The Great Garrick," "Tovarich," "The Adventures of Robin
Hood," "Women Are Like That."
38
BETTE DAVIS
Bette Davis was born Ruth Elizabeth Davis on April 5th, 1908 in
Lowell, Mass. The movies were not responsible for the changing of her name.
She changed it while in high school. She was educated in Newton High School
and then was "finished" at Cushing Academy.
Her earliest ambition was to be a nurse, but the sight of blood
cured her. During her school days she decided she wanted to go on the stage.
At high school she played the lead in "Seventeen" and "The Charm School."
Then she studied nature dancing.
While she was taking up dancing she met Frank Conroy who convinced
her that acting was her real talent. She and her mother went to New York
immediately where she enrolled in John Murray Anderson's dramatic school.
She was awarded the two scholarships given that year.
Her first opportunity came when Frank Conroy introduced her to
George Cukor, and she was promptly engaged to work in Cukor's stock company
in Rochester, N. Y. Then she played in stock at the Cape Cod Playhouse. For
one week. But James Light, the director, was impressed and gave her a good
role in "The Earth Between," which came to New York. She saw her first good
notices in the New York papers.
She was now on Broadway. Her next role was with Blanche Yurka in
Ibsen repertoire and she made her first appearance in "The Wild Duck." Fol-
lowing the Ibsen season she appeared in "Broken Dishes," then with Richard
Bennett in "Solid South."
Then came the call of the jumping gelatines and Bette Davis went to
Hollywood. Worked with Universal first and didn't seem to get anywhere.
Decided to become a platinum blonde and believes she owes a lot to this deci-
sion. Was signed by Warner Brothers. Scored in her first picture, "The Man
Who Played God," with George Arliss and was given a long term contract when
she really expected to be dropped. Scored again with Ruth Chatterton in "The
• -.
■ a?
39
Rich Are Always With Us," and again with Dick Barthelmess in "The Cabin in
the Cotton." Then to her pleasure and astonishment she was given a new con-
tract with star billing.
Her present ambition is to keep on acting — and eventually have a
home. Well, she practically has a home so that takes care of that.
As to romance? Well. ... in her prep school days she fell in love
with a fellow student, Harmon 0. Nelson, Jr. Just one of those things,
maybe, but it simmered. He went to Amherst and they corresponded. She left
for the Cape Cod Play House and they still wrote. She went to Hollywood and
still they wrote. In August, 1932, young Nelson went to Hollywood and found
a very lonesome Bette and they were married in the same month. Her nickname
for him is "Ham." She calls her marriage "the noble experiment" and it seems
to work out nicely.
She prefers the stage to the screen, declaring that the stage is not
such hard work. More kick to it, too. Still, she admits that when working
in the movies you can have your own country house and lots of sunshine.
Her favorite actors of the screen are Greta Garbo, Barbara Stanwyck,
George Arliss, Warren William and James Cagney. Of the stage she likes
Leslie Howard and Katharine Cornell. Enjoys the plays of Philip Barry and
George S. Kaufman, and likes the symphonic music of Franz Schubert and the
jazz of George Gershwin.
Her favorite screen role was with Barbara Stanwyck in "So Big."
Only a small role, but she loved it. Also liked her "bad girl" roles in "Of
Human Bondage" and "Bordertown, " but was worried about the public's reaction
to this type of characterization. She considers "Bad Sister" her worst
screen work. Her favorite stage role is Hedwig in "The Wild Duck." Her
first big movie thrill was when she saw herself on a magazine cover. Had it
framed.
She is not particularly interested in any of the Seven Lively Arts
— outside of the drama. She likes to read good books. Her favorite books
40
are "Silas Marner" by George Eliot, and the novels of Jane Austen and Char-
lotte Bronte. Of modern authors she particularly likes Ernest Hemingway,
Susan Ertz, Beverly Nichols, Noel Coward and Dr. Munthe's "Story of San
Michele."
She has never traveled a great deal — except a vacation in England
— but she thinks she would like Hawaii. Likes Hollywood as a place to buy
clothes, declaring that the shops have real advanced styles. Likes to wear
pajamas around the house and has no end of smart ensembles.
To keep fit she does absolutely nothing. Her favorite diet — if
any — is a vegetable one. She likes potatoes — mostly mashed potatoes.
Because of this she was nicknamed "Spuds" when she was boarding in school.
She is fond of lettuce salad and has a favorite way of fixing it. Here's
how: (Are you listenin'?) Lettuce, with oil, vinegar, garlic, pearl onions,
Worcestershire sauce, cider and spices in well-measured proportions. With it
she likes toast Melba.
She has no beauty secrets.
Her favorite outdoor sports are horse-back riding and golf. She is
an excellent swimmer. She is said to be the only woman who ever qualified as
a life guard at the fashionable Ogunquit Beach. Indoors she likes to play
backgammon. Likes to watch football games, tennis, and polo matches.
She says she has no time for hobbies. Declares that collecting press
clippings is her only fad. She has dogs — Maltese terriers, and a Sealyham.
She drives an Auburn phaeton. Likes to read about politics and leans toward
the Republican Party. Outside of that she has a wonderful sense of humor.
She dislikes posing for portraits and "still" pictures — especially
fashions. Enjoys being interviewed and is excedingly popular with inter-
viewers. She doesn't like to have to take care that her hair might be disar-
ranged on the studio set during a day's work. She emphatically does not like
highbrows. She doesn't care at all for Italian or Spanish food. She is not
41
particularly economical but describes herself as "pound wise and penny foolish."
She is five feet 3% inches tall, weighs 106 pounds, has blue eyes
honey-blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Brothers-First National Pictures,
Inc. and her recent pictures are: "The Man Who Played God," "So Big," "The
Rich Are Always With Us," "The Dark Horse," "Three On A Match," "Cabin In
The Cotton," "20,000 Years In Sing Sing," "Parachute Jumper," "Ex-Lady," "The
Working Man," "Bureau of Missing Persons," "The Big Shakedown," "Fashions of
1934," "Fog Over Frisco," "Of Human Bondage" (for RKO) , "Bordertown, " "The
Girl From 10th Avenue," "Front Page Woman," "Special Agent," "Dangerous,"
"The Petrified Forest," "The Golden Arrow," "Satan Met a Lady," "Marked
Woman," "Kid Galahad," "That Certain Woman," "It's Love I'm After," "Jezebel."
42
JOHNNIE DAVIS
Back in Brazil, Indiana, they know him as John Gus Davis, composer
and conductor. He happened to be born there May 11, 1910.
In Hollywood they know him as Johnnie Davis, also as Johnnie "Scat"
Davis, the only white edition of Cab Calloway.
The youngster came to Hollywood with Fred Waring and His Pennsyl-
vanians to film "Varsity Show" and proved such a discovery that before the
picture was half finished the Warner Studio signed him to a long term
contract .
Johnnie began his study of the trumpet at the age of three and made
his first public appearance playing "America" at a Sunday School concert. At
the age of six he joined his school band and at 10 had a regular position in
his father's concert band.
Johnnie's father, incidentally, was conductor of the Brazil concert
band for 25 years. He was a soloist on trumpet and trombone and composed
many marches and overtures. For more than 17 years he was musical director of
the city schools.
They're a musical family, those Davises. Brother Nelson led the
University of Indiana band. Brother Arthur, at the age of 16, conducted his
own orchestra in Brazil. Sister Louise can all but make a piano talk.
When Johnnie attained the ripe old age of 12 he figured he should go
in search of other fields to conquer. He hied himself to Terre Haute and
joined Jack 0' Grady's orchestra which was playing at the Grand Theatre. Be-
fore long he was hailed as the Child Wonder of Rhythm.
Dad didn't think much of his precocious son wasting time as a jazz
cornet player — but parental objection didn't retard the young Johnnie.
Johnnie completed his early education at Brazil and while playing
with 0' Grady attended high school at Terre Haute. There he found time to en-
gage in football, track, basketball and glee club, debating and dramatic
activities and to win the presidency of the mathematics club.
43
He became a "scat" singer while working with the O'Grady orchestra.
A "scat" singer, be it known, is a singer who willfully or otherwise forgets
the words to a song and fills in the missing links with a "whoa-ho-he-h-ho . ■
Told to sing a solo of "Don't Bring Me Posies" with the orchestra,
Johnny couldn't take the assignment seriously. He began "kidding" the song,
forgot the words and ad libbed with the who-hoho. He was a sensation and has
been a scat singer ever since.
Subsequently Johnnie joined Jimmy Joy's orchestra and played two to
six months engagements at Denver, Louisville, St. Paul, Kansas City, Oklahoma
City, Pittsburgh and other cities. Then he went with Smith Ballew and a few
months later joined Red Nichols at the Park Central Hotel in New York City.
After an engagement with Will Osborne he joined Fred Waring and his Pennsyl-
vanians at the Roxy theatre in New York in 1932.
During the summer of 1932 he had his own band at the Lowry Hotel in
St. Paul and after five months rejoined Waring on his radio program when he
was broadcasting for a cigarette manufacturing sponsor.
On April Fool's Day of 1934 Johnnie married Martha Lee Garber,
sweetheart of his high school days. They met when Johnnie was playing with
O'Grady's orchestra — and Martha's father operated the opposition theatres.
Golf and carpentry are Johnnie's favorite hobbies. Most of the fur-
niture in his home he built himself and finished in ivory. Even his piano is
finished in that shade.
Once in a while Johnnie writes a song — and it is published.
Among his hits are "Why Do I Care For You?", "That's What I Learned In Col-
lege," and "Heaven on Earth."
He prefers to travel by airplane. Owns a touring car of popular make
which he always drives with the top down. When broadcasting he likes to have
a pencil in his hand, for no reason he can think of, and when he sings for
the screen it helps him to be holding his trusty trumpet.
44
He likes to attend opera and prefers a home in the country to city
life. Heavy shirts and slacks are his favorite attire and his favorite
dishes are fried chicken and spaghetti.
Tops in popular numbers with him is "Night is Young" and his favor-
ite classical selection is "Firebird." His favorite quotation is "It's get-
ting so a man can't turn around nowadays without something happening."
Martinelli, Pinza and Nelson Eddy are his favorite opera singers and
Anatole France, Guy De Maupassant and Thorne Smith are his favorite authors.
The Bible, "Anthony Adverse," and the dictionary are his choice as the three
greatest books ever written. Longfellow and James Whitcomb Riley are his
favorite poets.
Johnnie hates crowds and chooses the rose as his favorite flower.
He has an aversion for the color red and likes blue best of all.
He is five feet 10 inches tall, weighs 158 pounds and has light brown
hair and blue eyes. He is a member of the Lamb's and New York Athletic
Clubs.
His pet ambition has always been to be a movie director but while he
is nearer realization of that ambition now he still will have to postpone it
for some time for he has other work to do first.
He was tops as a featured entertainer while with Fred Waring and His
Pennsylvanians — and now he seems be headed for the top of the ladder in the
movies .
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his produc-
tions include: "Varsity Show," "Over The Goal," "Hollywood Hotel."
45
MARION DAVIES
Marion Davies was born Marion Douras in Brooklyn, N. Y., on January
1st, 1906. Her father, Judge Bernard J. Douras, was a New York magistrate
and judge of the Supreme Court. Reine, one of her three sisters, had taken
the stage name, Davies, so Marion took it automatically, or words to that
effect.
She was educated in Public School No. 93, New York, where she cap-
tained a championship basketball team, and later she attended the Convent of
the Sacred Heart at Hastings, N. Y. Had leanings toward the stage during her
school days. Played Portia in "The Merchant of Venice," Viola in "Twelfth
Night," Mary in "Mary of Scotland," and other roles in religious pageants.
Eventually she went to the Empire School of Acting where she studied for two
years .
Her earliest ambition was to be a school teacher — so she could
boss the other kids around - but Old Lady Fate led her toward the stage, as
her elder sisters, Reine, Ethel, and Rose were getting their start in that
profession.
Upon leaving school she suddenly found herself in demand as a model
for magazine covers. Posed for the "American Beauties" of the late Harrison
Fisher and for Howard Chandler Christy. She was the model for Christy's
famous painting, "Morning."
Then came her first appearance behind the footlights — in the
chorus of the big spectacle, "Chu Chin Chow." Next, she was a featured
dancer in "Oh, Boy," and then Ziegfeld featured her in his Follies.
Her first screen appearance came when her brother-in-law, George
Lederer, a director for Paramount, gave her her first role in "Getting Mary
Married." She was immediately discovered to be an excellent comedienne, with
not only beauty, but a roguish sense of humor.
46
Her favorite screen role to date is that of Pat O'Day in "Little Old
New York." She would like to film it again some time, maybe as a musical
picture. Perhaps she will!
Of the screen, her favorites are Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich,
Katharine Hepburn, William Powell, Gary Cooper and Charles Laughton.
If she ever left the screen she would like to write. Is a clever
artist and there is genuine humor in her sketching pencil. Is also a good
designer and creates some of the smart fashions she wears in pictures
She is an enthusiastic horticulturist. Has several hothouses
with thousands of choice bulbs. She wholesales the bulbs and blooms to re-
tail florists. Is an exceptionaly shrewd business woman, and gives her
personal attention to all matters of investment.
She likes good music and is a wizard when it comes to playing the
ukulele. Is a clever song-and-dance girl, and one of the highlights of a
Hollywood party is when she steps forward and gives "imitations" of other
stars of the film colony.
Has traveled in almost every country on the globe and names as her
favorite cities, London, Rome, Venice, Florence, Granada and Munich. She
also likes New York — especially New York's Coney Island, which has been a
favorite place to visit since childhood. When it comes to buying clothes,
she prefers American styles.
Declares her favorite extravagance is clothes, but outside of that
she is constitutionally economical. Is partial to sports ensembles. Dis-
likes formal dress except for evening wear. Favorite color is blue and pink.
And as for flowers — give her roses.
To keep fit she plays tennis and swims. Says dancing is better than
a "Daily Dozen." Toys with a diet — spinach, chops, and salads. For a gas-
tronomical spree she goes in for Welsh rarebit and any flavor of ice cream.
No. she doesn't cook.
Has no special beauty aids. Just washes her face with soap and
water and goes in for strenuous outdoor exercises. Has freckles, which tes-
tify that she is an outdoor girl. They don't worry her one bit.
Likes to go to fast tennis matches, football games and horse races.
Doesn't care much for prize fights or wrestling matches. Indoors she plays
bridge and wields a mean ping-pong racquet.
Her dislikes include bores, snobs, mosquitoes, income taxes, tele-
phone calls, writing letters and questionnaires to be filled out. And some-
thing must be done immediately if thirteen people sit down at a dinner party
she attends.
When it comes to hobbies, she goes in for jig-saw puzzles, book
collecting, rare paintings, and antique furniture. Prefers beautifully
printed and illustrated books to first editions.
Her five favorite books are "Vanity Fair" by Thackeray, "Old Curios-
ity Shop," by Dickens, "Saint Joan," by Shaw, "The Genius" by Dreiser, "His-
tory of Mankind," by Van Loon. Also likes biographies.
Her lone pet is a small brown dachshund named "Gandi." Hasn't a
yacht, but drives a Dusenberg, Cadillac and Buick.
Is a leader in the various charitable organizations in Hollywood,
and a member of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences, Actors' Equity, and the Screen Guild. Her generosity to
charitable organizations is well known. Near the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle,
Calif., she personally operates a children's clinic, along with other
charitable efforts.
Her intimates call her "M.D." Her best friends in Hollywood are
Constance Talmadge, Eileen Percy, Katherine Menjou, Dorothy Mackaill and
Louella Parsons.
Her California beach house is smack on the ocean at Santa Monica.
The front lawn runs down to the Pacific and there is a steam-heated swimming
48
pool, well protected during stormy weather. She is said to be one of the
most popular hostesses in Hollywood, and she entertains many distinguished
visitors and people she has met during her foreign travels. Among them we
might name Bernard Shaw, who was a guest on his recent and only trip to
America.
Marion Davies is five feet 5% inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, has
blonde hair and blue eyes.
Among outstanding pictures she has made, you will remember "When
Knighthood Was in Flower," "Janice Meredith," "Little Old New York," "Beverly
of Graustark," "Marianne," "Bachelor Father," "Her Cardboard Lover," "Flora-
dora Girl," "Blondie of the Follies," "Going Hollywood," "Operator 13."
Her current Cosmopolitan Pictures for Warner Brothers include: "Page
Miss Glory," "Hearts Divided," "Cain and Mabel," "Ever Since Eve."
49
OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND
Olivia de Havilland is her real name, and she was born in Tokio,
Japan on July 1st, 1916. She is of English descent, and among her notable
ancestors are Sir Peter de Havilland, an ardent supporter of Cromwell against
Charles I; and Lord and Lady Nolesworth, patrons of Gilbert and Sullivan.
At the ripe old age of three years she came with her parents to
America, with a stop-off at Hawaii on the way. Which brought her eventually
to California. Lived in San Francisco, then Saratoga, Calif., where she was
educated. Attended Saratoga Grammar School, Notre Dame Convent, Los Gatos
Union High School, and won a Scholarship to Mills College, Berkeley — which
was never taken advantage of because an exciting career suddenly loomed.
As you will see.
During her school days she played hockey, debated, won public speak-
ing cup, and edited the School Year Book. Played leading roles in school
theatricals, and acquitted herself nobly. (Note: Her mother studied at Sir
Beerbohm Tree's Academy in London, read plays, and was an excellent dramatic
coach, all of which helped!)
It was her school ambition to be a teacher, an author, or — an
actress. She was planning to accept her scholarship to Mills College and
study to become a Speech Arts Teacher when —
It happened that she was playing the role of Puck in a school pro-
duction of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." A scout of Professor Max Reinhardt
snooped and watched her work. Result — was sent for to understudy role of
Hermia in Reinhardt's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the Holly-
wood Bowl. Next — Gloria Stuart, who was to play Hermia, was recalled to her
film studio. Olivia stepped into the role. Scored. Result — was a film test
at Warner studio to play Hermia in Reinhardt's spectacular film production
50
of the Shakespearean fantasy. Next — she was signed to a long contract.
Yes, such a thing as a scholarship was quickly forgotten.
Her favorites of the screen are Katharine Hepburn, Errol Flynn,
Helen Hayes, Ronald Colman, James Cagney, Frank Morgan, and Charles Laughton.
Her favorite screen roles to date are Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's
Dream," and Marcia in "It's Love I'm After." Has a hankering to play modern
light comedy roles.
Outside of the stage and screen she is most interested in painting
and writing. Can sketch a little, is something of a sculptress, and tries
"desperately" to write poetry. She likes music, and plays the piano, but does
not dance or sing. Would like to be a toe dancer, but declares she can't
dance and has no sense of balance. But as a swimmer and fancy diver she
knows her splashes.
To keep fit she sleeps fourteen hours a day whenever she gets the
chance. Doesn't go in for any diet. Enjoys outdoor sports, her favorite be-
ing horse-back riding and swimming. Likes to play tennis and badminton. Has
no "beauty secrets."
Favorite things to eat are tomatoes, corn on the cob, cold French
lamb chops dipped in salt. Can't cook, but doesn't let it worry her.
Doesn't go in much for games, but has tried Hearts and Old Maid, and
says they are the only card games she ever dared to attempt. Likes football
games, but doesn't care much for prize fights. Can imitate a dog's bark and
likes to do it unexpectedly to startle people. It does.
Enjoys good books. Lists as her favorites, Dicken's "David Copper-
field," Romain Rolland's " Jean-Christophe , " Hudson's "Green Mansions," Gals-
worthy's "Forsyte Saga," Clemence Dane's "Broome Stages." Is also enthusi-
astic about all of Sir James Barrie's works, Shakespeare's plays, and the
novels of Alexander Dumas.
51
Is moderately interested in clothes and the shops of Hollywood are
good enough for her. Favorite color is blue. Her extravagances are buying
lots of flowers and perfume. Her favorite flowers are Winter Iris and chrys-
anthemums .
Her pet aversions include snakes (animal and human) , parsnips, cook-
ing, cigarette smoke, elevators, breakfast too early in the morning.
Her hobbies? Sketching, sculpting, writing, working crossword
puzzles, reading good books, and writing letters. Writes letters all the time.
She collects and saves love letters, programs, and things reminis-
cent of important or pleasant events in her life.
She saves her money, has a definite financial program she follows,
and has a business manager. Doesn't employ a secretary.
She is five feet, four inches in height, weighs 107 pounds, has red-
dish brown hair and brown eyes.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Alibi Ike," "The Irish In
us," "Captain Blood," "Anthony Adverse," "Charge of the Light Brigade," "Call
It a Day," "It's Love I'm After," "The Great Garrick," "Gold Is Where You
Find It," "Adventures of Robin Hood."
GLORIA DICKSON
Thais Dickerson is her real name — and exceedingly difficult to
pronounce — so for professional purposes, she became Gloria Dickson. She was
born in Pocatello, Idaho, August 13th, 1917. Was educated in the Lincoln
Grammar School in Pocatello, then at Polytechnic, at Long Beach, California.
Her first appearance behind the footlights was in school plays in
Long Beach. She believes she did her best work in Zangwill's play, "The Melt-
ing Pot." During her school days she was always interested in the theatre,
and it was entirely natural that she should have a burning desire eventually
to play on the legitimate stage.
Upon leaving school she made her professional debut as an actress —
playing a small part in a tent show. Each night's gate was divided among the
players. Gloria's stipend ranged from the magnificent sum of $1.10 to $3.75
a performance.
Some one told the girl about the Federal Theatre, how the W P A was
sponsoring the presentation of stage productions to create work for actors.
She went and got the job.
Her first role under the W P A banner was that of Diane in "Seventh
Heaven." Then she played the lead in "Holiday," "Smilin' Thru" and "The Devil
Passes . "
The final curtain fell on the last performance of "The Devil Passes,"
and a card was passed into her dressing room. It bore the name of a talent
scout from Warner Bros. Pictures. She laughed, and tossed it in the waste
basket. A gag, she thought. Then she thought again, and rescued the card
from the waste basket. The talent scout was ushered in.
53
Next day, a test at the Warner Studio. Mervyn LeRoy, the Producer-
Director, saw the test. He happened to be looking for a "new face" for the
leading role in his new production, "The Deep South." The next thing Gloria
knew, she had signed a contract, and at the same time vowed she would no
longer toss cards into waste baskets.
Her present ambition is to be a fine emotional actress. Outside of
this, she thinks she would like to try to write novels — human interest
stories .
Is also very much interested in music and literature, but she doesn't
play any musical instruments nor has she ever sung professionally. She likes
to model in clay and she has a talent for wood carving.
She names as her favorite screen players Luise Rainer, William Pow-
ell, Paul Muni, Helen Hayes, Bette Davis, and Charles Laughton.
She is interested in clothes and would like to buy them in Paris, if
she had the chance. As a matter of fact, she names clothes as her worst ex-
travagance, particularly coats, gloves and bags. Cannot resist bargains in
costume jewelry, but seldom wears it.
Has a suppressed desire to travel, but has hardly been out of the
States of Idaho or California. She has no pet economies.
To keep fit she takes long walks, swims, plays tennis, and rides
horseback. Likes to go to Polo matches, football games and hockey, and pro-
fessional tennis matches. But she doesn't go to prizefights.
Won't have anything to do with a diet. Enjoys a big thick beef-
steak, fish, and all sorts of sea food. Also cannot resist any kind of rich,
"gooey" desserts. Can cook - a little. Has no beauty secrets.
Likes good books and reads all of the latest novels. Names as her
favorites Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here," all of Charles Dickens'
works. Elbert Hubbard's essays, Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays, and Walt Whit-
man's "Leaves of Grass."
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54
Hasn't any pets at the moment, but when last seen she was looking for
for the right sort of a big Scotch collie. Doesn't own a boat, but she drives
a roadster to the studio. Is looking forward to the time when she can afford
a mountain cabin.
Isn't "fanatically'' interested in government politics. Saves some
of her money but not all of it, her financial program being under the guidance
of her mother.
Likes to play ping pong, but doesn't care much for cards. Her fa-
vorite color is blue, and when you send her flowers, they should be violets.
Isn't a bit superstitious and has no good luck charm. She is five
feet four inches tall, weighs 113 pounds, has blue-grey eyes and blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
pictures include, "They Won't Forget."
55
GLENDA FARRELL
Glenda Farrell is her real name and she was born in Enid, Oklahoma,
sometime in 1907. She is the only child of an Irish father and a German
mother, which, she declares, makes her Irish. She was educated in a convent.
Her earliest ambition was to go on the stage, and during her convent
days this ambition remained the same. At the present moment her ambition is
to stay in Hollywood and be a big success on the screen.
Made her stage debut as Little Eva in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and upon
leaving school she went into a stock company. Declares she has spent most of
her life in a trunk. Has played in stock all over the United States. Then
came to Broadway and scored a hit. Among the successes she appeared in was
"Love, Honor and Betray," with Alice Brady, in whose company were those ris-
ing young actors, Clark Gable and George Brent.
Made her screen debut as Olga in "Little Caesar" when she was vaca-
tioning in Hollywood. Liked the picture very much, but declares that "Olga"
is the worst role she ever played. Her favorite characterization was in "Life
Begins," a role she created in the Broadway stage production before it was
made into a picture. Next to this she likes her role in "I Am a Fugitive From
a Chain Gang."
Her favorite screen personalities are Paul Muni and Joan Blondell.
Of the stage she likes Jane Cowl. Has a humorous dislike for Hugh Herbert —
with whom she has played so often — because he mischievously delights in
stealing scenes from her.
Does not prefer the screen to the stage, but likes both immensely.
If she gave up either she thinks she would like to marry a millionaire.
Trouble is, she has never met a millionaire she liked well enough.
Next to the drama she prefers "art and music." She likes to paint in
water colors. Plays the piano a little. Once in a theatre she was terrified
to discover that her part called for her to play a few measures of Tschai-
kowsky's "Andante Cantabile." Well, she played it.
She likes to buy all of her clothes in New York, declaring the shops
get their inspiration from Paris. Wants very much to go abroad and spend a
lot of time in London and Paris. She admits being consistently extravagant,
and if she has a pet economy she can't remember it.
Does nothing special to keep fit. Just has a massage now and then.
Hates athletics, or any form of strenuous exercise. She does not have to diet
because she does not care for rich foods. Doesn't care for sweets or pastries
and rarely goes below 114 pounds in weight or above 116. When she works she
burns up so much energy that she can eat twice as much as usual and still not
get fat. Her favorite dish is lamb chops with baked potatoes.
Hasn't anything special in the way of beauty secrets. Just soap and
water and a good brand of cold cream.
Has numerous aversions, chief among them being loud, noisy people.
Detests bridge and golf. Can't understand why ice cream is so popular, and
likes an occasional sherbet. She won't drive a car if she has her own way,
but adores motoring when someone else is at the wheel.
Is the laziest person in the world by her own admission when it comes
to sports. And the most ardent fan. Loves to watch a game of polo, tennis,
or football, or baseball. But shudders to think of herself as an active
player in any such games. As far as the beach is concerned, it's just an
elegant place for Glenda to loll around and be lazy in smart beach pajamas —
and the surf is a nice thing to look at from a distance, say from beneath a
colorful beach umbrella which matches her bathing suit.
She is no bookworm, but she reads a good deal of current fiction,
and never misses a story by Clarence Budington Kelland. Although she finds
herself regularly cast in crime — stories and horror dramas, she has no in-
57
terest in reading mystery novels. They make her too nervous and keep her
from sleeping at night. Besides, she says she is afraid of the dark.
She thinks domesticity is grand, although her first attempt didn't
take. She has a 12-year-old son, Tommy, whom she declares is her hobby. When
it comes to pets she likes cats, but Tommy likes dogs. So they don't have
both. She has three prize-winning Siamese cats. She hasn't a yacht, but she
owns an eight-cylinder Ford — which she hates to drive.
Is not a bit interested in government politics and declares she does
not even know the name of the gentleman who is President of the United States.
Glenda Farrell is five feet three and one-half inches tall, weighs
116 pounds, has grey eyes and blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
pictures include: "Little Caesar," "Life Begins," "I A a Fugitive From a
Chain Gang," "Girl Missing," "The Big Shakedown," "Hi, Nellie," "Kansas City
Princess," "Go Into Your Dance," "Miss Pacific Fleet," "Law In Her Hands,"
"Gold Diggers of 1937," "Smart Blonde," "Dance, Charlie, Dance," "Fly Away
Baby," "Adventurous Blonde," "Hollywood Hotel," "Blondes At Work."
58
ERROL FLYNN
Errol Flynn, the young English actor imported to this country, was
born in the north of Ireland on June 20th, 1909. He was educated at the Lycee
Louis le Grand, in Paris, and at St. Paul's School in London. During his
school days he had no thoughts of the stage or screen, but indulged in the
usual college sports — boxing, swimming, rowing and Rugby.
His father was a professor of biology at Queen's University, Belfast,
and also at Cambridge.
But what is interesting is the fact that he is a direct descendant
of Fletcher Christian, who led the famous mutiny on the Bounty. And the
young man's career has been almost as exciting.
He was in Tahiti pearl fishing with a boat he had purchased, and a
crew of natives, when an English film company came there to "shoot" location
for "Mutiny on the Bounty." And oddly enough, Flynn was given the role of his
maternal ancestor, Fletcher Christian.
Later he went prospecting into the "bush" of New Guinea for gold.
Says he found a "spot of gold" and made some money. Around his neck he wears
his only good luck charm — a thin gold chain given him by a dying missionary
in the interior of New Guinea. There is an ugly scar on his shin bone, the
mark of a poisoned arrow shot at him from ambush in the "bush" country.
Thought he was on the way to another fortune when he bought a coast-
wise schooner and put it into the inter-island freight service. But the
schooner struck a hidden coral reef — and that was that! No insurance.
His work in the Bounty picture resulted in ambitions for the stage.
Received his opportunity from Sir Barry Jackson. Played on the English stage
in Drinkwater's "A Man's House," and in "Othello," "Another Language," and
"The Constant Nymph." Also appeared in stock companies throughout the
provinces and managed to get in some motion picture work.
59
His big celluloid opportunity came when Irving Asher, of Warner Bros.
British Company saw him on the stage and signed him to a contract to come to
Hollywood. And here was the beginning of more adventures.
On the boat coming over from England, he met and danced with a fas-
cinating lady — Lili Damita. Enjoyed himself, thought she was very lovely,
but didn't think a great deal more about it. Later their paths crossed in
Hollywood. Paths crossed more often. And on June 19th Mr. Flynn and Mile.
Damita boarded a plane and flew to Yuma, Arizona, where the famous marrying
parson made them man and wife.
It is his definite ambition now to be a success on the screens of
America. After playing juvenile roles in a number of productions his big
thrill came when he was selected to play the title role in "Captain Blood" at
the Warner Studio. Fate seems to cast him in sea-faring swash-buckling roles
on the screen as well as in life. And he's In favor of it.
His favorites in movies are Claude Rains, Joan Blondell, Robert Mont-
gomery, Clark Gable and Kay Francis.
If he left the screen he believes he might go back to gold prospect-
ing in New Guinea. Has ambitious literary tendencies, and is now completing
a book covering his adventures in the "bush" and pearl fishing. Has also
written short stories and verse. And a book, "Beam Ends." He is an avid
reader of newspaper editorials and often writes "letters to the editor"
giving his own views on a pertinent subject. Often sings to himself when
he writes.
He enjoys the novels of Compton Mackenzie, "The Diary of a Provin-
cial Lady" by Delafield, and James Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice."
Does not sketch or paint, plays no musical instruments, has never
seen a flea circus or Aimee Semple McPherson. Dislikes going to weddings —
except his own. Dislikes spiders, alarm clocks, but likes thunder storms and
the sound of wind and rain.
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60
Has travelled on every continent and all over the East, and was most
interested by Japan and China's Shanghai. Speaks Chinese, and many native
dialects common in the South Seas. But he buys his clothes in London. His
favorite color is black.
Says he has a suppressed desire to be a bartender; says he has no pet
economies, and that his extravagances are food. Likes meat of all kinds, and
can cook, and does. Doesn't bother about any diet and declares, nI keep fit
by breathing through my nose."
Is very athletic, and keeps in training continuously. A champion
boxer. Also swims, rides, and plays tennis. Would rather watch a fast boxing
match than anything else. He was the English contestant in the 1928 Olympic
Games at Amsterdam — for boxing. Indoors — he plays a mean game of poker.
Has no superstitions — except the gold chain — already mentioned
which he wears around his neck. Has no superstitions about opals, and knows
a real pearl when he sees one. He is afraid of dentists.
Has seen bull fights, been close to gorillas and whales, but has no
pet in Hollywood. (Well — maybe Lili.)
Likes to drive long distances at furious speeds, has a good memory
for telephone numbers, and can do card tricks. Doesn't care much about Holly-
wood parties, picnics, or mountain-climbing.
He believes that luck plays a great part in success and that some
people are luckier than others. Thinks he's pretty lucky himself.
He is six feet two inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, has brown hair and
brown eyes.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his current
productions include: "The Case of the Curious Bride," "Don't Bet on Blondes,"
"Captain Blood," "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "Green Light," "Another
Dawn," "The Prince and the Pauper," "The Perfect Specimen," "The Adventures
of Robin Hood."
61
DICK FORAN
His real name is John Nicholas Foran — a name which he shortened for
picture purposes — and he was born in Flemington, N. J., on June 18, 1910.
His father is Colonel Arthur F. Foran, Republican Senator from New Jersey.
He attended Mercersberg Academy, then went to Princeton. Played
football, lacrosse, baseball, ice hockey, was a member of the track team.
Had a slight yen for theatricals in college, where he played "leads," in the
shows at prep school and Princeton. But at this time it was his ambition to
be a geologist — a subject which he Mastered in at Princeton.
After college he took several cruises on freighters as a seaman just
for adventure. Got a job as a special investigator for the Pennsylvania Rail-
road and this took him to Hollywood.
Had done some radio singing and through Lew Brown, the song-writer,
he met Winfield Sheehan at the Fox Studio who gave him his first screen op-
portunity. It is his present ambition to continue on the screen and be a suc-
cessful star. Should he give up dramatic work, he declares he would sing on
the radio and concert stage.
Outside of dramatics, he is particularly interested in music. Be-
sides singing he plays the violin, guitar and accordion.
His favorites on the screen are Dick Powell, George O'Brien, Ruby
Keeler, Patricia Ellis, Janet Gaynor, Warner Baxter, James Cagney, Pat
O'Brien, Kay Francis, and Shirley Temple. He was married to Ruth Hollingshead
of New Jersey on June 6th, 1937.
His favorite screen role was Midshipman Gifford in "Shipmates For-
ever" starring Dick Powell, and next to that he sort of likes his cowboy role
in "Moonlight on the Prairie."
He enjoys travel and has been to South America and the West Indies.
Likes the West Indies best. Isn't particularly interested in clothes, would
hardly be called a dandy, but prefers to buy his clothes in New York. De-
clares his pet economy is not being extravagant when it comes to buying new
suits, shoes or neckties.
His real extravagances are buying guns, fishing tackle, and boats.
Has quite a terrific collection of guns and fishing tackle. In this connec-
tion he has a suppressed desire to sail around the world in a small boat. He
owns a sloop named the Orca.
Heartily dislikes strict formalities of any kind, cannot abide off-
stage acting, and doesn't care for people who use four syllable words when
unnecessary.
To keep fit he boxes, plays tennis and handball, and goes horseback
riding. Indoors he plays squash and ping pong. He also names these as his
favorite sports. Likes to go to football games and the fights.
Goes in for something of a diet, inasmuch as he eats no starches.
Names salads and buttermilk as his favorite foods. Says he is a good cook and
has often proved it on camping trips.
When asked what he does to protect his good looks, he replies, "I re-
move them with cold cream at the end of each day's work."
Likes to read books of the adventure type, and names as his favor-
ite authors, Jack London, Zane Grey, Joseph Conrad, Gene Fowler, Thome Smith
and Rafael Sabatini.
Likes animals, and owns a Doberman-Pinscher named Hans. Also Smoke,
his horse, which he rides in his Western pictures.
Declares he saves his money, has a business manager, and has laid
out a definite financial program.
His good luck charm is the first penny from the Irish Free State
Mint, but he is very superstitious about the number 13.
He is six feet three inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, has blue eyes
and red hair.
63
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his more
recent productions include: "Gentleman Are Born," "Shipmates Forever," "Moon-
light On The Prairie," "Black Legion," "Land Beyond the Law," "Cherokee
Strip," "Blazing Sixes," "Empty Holsters," "The Devil's Saddle Legion," "The
Petrified Forest," "The Perfect Specimen," "Prairie Thunder," "She Loved a
Fireman," "Evidence."
64
KAY FRANCIS
Kay Francis was born in Oklahoma City on a Friday the 13th, the month
being January, the year being — the young lady's secret. When she was a year
old her parents moved to Santa Barbara, Calif., then to Los Angeles, and then
to Denver.
When she was four years old her mother took her to New York City.
The mother, Katherine Clinton, a well-known actress, returned to the stage and
Kay was sent to school.
The girl's earliest ambition was to be a trapeze artist. This was
not fulfilled because she was sent to school. Her early education was re-
ceived in convents. Later she attended Miss Fuller's school at Ossining and
from there went to the Cathedral School in Garden City, Long Island.
She was prominent in school athletics. Was an excellent tennis
player and she "dashed" the 100-yard dash in 12 seconds flat. Began to have
a leaning toward the theatre. Wrote a play and played the leading masculine
role. Outside of this her only ambition was to have a good time.
Upon leaving college she entered a secretarial school and took a
course in typewriting and shorthand. When she completed her courses she went
to Europe for eight months and traveled through Holland, France and England.
She has been secretary to several socially prominent people including Mrs.
Dwight Morrow, Mrs. Minturn Pinchot, and Mrs. W. K. Vanderbilt.
Eventually she decided to take a fling at the stage. By a lucky
chance she secured the role of the "Player Queen" in the "modernized" version
of "Hamlet" which was a New York success. Then spent a season with the Stuart
Walker Stock Company, playing Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Dayton. Returning
to New York she appeared on Broadway in "Venus," "Crime," and "Elmer the
Great. "
Then the movies. She learned that a leading woman was being sought
for Walter Huston in "Gentlemen of the Press." Had played with Huston in
t bas ertinota
"Elmer the Great." There was an obstacle. The director wanted a blonde for
the role, but Miss Francis' tests were good. P.S. : She got the job. Her work
was so satisfactory that she was signed and sent to Hollywood.
She likes both the stage and the screen, but prefers the screen just
a little bit more. Her favorite stage role was in "Elmer the Great." On the
screen she prefers the role of Florence Nightingale in the "White Angel."
She considers "The Marriage Playground" her worst picture. Outside of the
drama she is most interested in literature. She says, "Because I know more
about it."
She likes to travel. She prefers traveling by plane to the train and
has made numerous cross-continental flights. Next to America she would like
to live in Paris or London. To quote her: "Anywhere the mood takes me." She
goes in for the smartest of frocks and prefers to buy them in New York or
Paris.
She does not like interviews. Sometimes goes into hiding from pry-
ing writers. But is lovely and charming when "cornered" or caught off her
guard. She loathes posing for portraits and "still" photographs. And, al-
though she is hailed as one of the best-dressed women on the screen she dis-
likes "fittings." Has no pet economy. She is not interested in politics.
She is fond of the water and likes to go sailing. She owns a small
schooner and goes sailing every week-end. Next to this nautical sport she
prefers tennis. Likes the radio and takes a small one with her on trips and
can "hook" it up herself.
She does nothing in particular to keep physically fit. She has had
little time for exercising at the rate she has been working. Declares she
can eat anything and does not put on unwanted weight.
Her favorite diet and dish is lamb chops. She likes creamed mush-
room sauce. The recipe: Fresh mushrooms ... cream. .. flour. . .Worcestershire
sauce. . .seasoning. . .of English mustard, salt, pepper.... "But," she adds, "you
must know how to do it."
66
Her beauty secrets? Sunshine and fresh air, and keeping her face
clean.
She has very tender vocal chords and is unable to scream in any of
her pictures when called upon to do so. To save her throat has somebody
scream for her.
She likes to watch tennis and polo matches, football games, six-day
bicycle races, wrestling and boxing matches. Is a good bridge player and she
likes backgammon.
Her favorite authors are Schnitzler and Ernest Hemingway, and she
likes detective stories. Also the "Wizard of Oz" books. Also likes loads of
other authors.
Has lots of pets. Two dogs, two cats, a parrot, a rabbit, a canary,
gold-fish and frogs. She drives a Ford and a Cadillac — also navigates her
schooner the "Pamet-Head. "
She is now under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her
pictures include: "Man Wanted," "Street of Women," "Jewel Robbery," "One Way
Passage," "The Keyhole," "Mary Stevens, M.D.," "The House on 56th Street,"
"Mandalay," "Wonder Bar," "Dr. Monica," "British Agent," "Living On Velvet,"
"The Goose and the Gander," "I Found Stella Parish," "Stranded," "The White
Angel," "Give Me Your Heart," "Stolen Holiday," "Another Dawn," "Confession,"
"First Lady," "Women Are Like That."
67
BONITA GRANVILLE
Bonita Granville was born February 2, 1923, in New York City. Her
father was Bernard Granville, musical comedy star, and her mother was an act-
ress. At the age of three, Bonita joined her father's vaudeville act.
It was Bonita' s resemblance to Ann Harding that got her her first
film part. Miss Harding's studio needed a child who looked like the star to
play her daughter in "Westward Passage" and Bonita got the job. There fol-
lowed other small parts. She had a bit in "Silver Dollar," and another in
"Cavalcade." Eventually Samuel Goldwyn gave her the brat part in "These
Three," and she shot to the top.
When not working, she attends Hollywood High School and is in the
tenth grade. She is studying interior decorating and dress designing, paint-
ing, music and dancing.
Bonita's film favorites are Bette Davis, Pat O'Brien, Helen Hayes,
Merle Oberon and Gary Cooper. She wants to visit London, Paris and Rome.
She likes spaghetti and still plays with dolls. She hates brats,
catty people and hypocrites. She collects ivory elephants, and goes to bed
at eight o'clock every night.
Bonita's mother always accompanies her to the studio. She says she
couldn't get along without her mother on the set.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and to date has
appeared in "Call It a Day," "It's Love I'm After," "Too Much of Everything."
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FERN AND GRAVET
Fernand Gravet, the Continental screen star, knew many nations before
he even attained his majority. He was born on Christmas morning of 1908 in
Belgium, educated in England, toured as an actor in Germany, Roumania, and
many Central European nations, and then selected France as his permanent res-
idence.
Now he has visited the United States to star in his first American
picture, "The King and the Chorus Girl," directed and produced for Warner
Bros, by Mervyn LeRoy, to whom he is under personal contract.
Both Gravet' s parents were of the theatrical world. His father, the
late Leopold G. Martens, of French descent, was a noted European manager and
producer. His mother, Fernande Gravet Martens, of Belgian blood, was a prom-
inent character actress.
In 1914, the German armies swept through Brussels, Gravet* s birth-
place, marooning him, his parents and his sister. An elder brother, Maurice,
then in France, became a soldier in the French army.
To get his family out of the dangerous war zone, Gravet' s father ob-
tained a passport which enabled them to reach Holland and then England. There
Fernand was enrolled in St. Paul's School. Later, he became a British Marine
Cadet, spending ten months learning the ways of the sea in the training school
at Westershire and aboard merchant ships.
The intense work and worries of the war years resulted in the serious
illness of his father shortly after the Armistice and young Fernand, seeking
to aid the depleted family finances, turned to the theatre, doing such work
as handling baggage and transportation with road companies before graduating
to small roles.
Because of his Belgian citizenship, he was summoned in 1924 to return
to Belgium to serve the required two years in the army. For the first year
he was in the cavalry and the second as an artillery observer in the balloon
corps.
69
He returned then to the stage, touring through the Central European
nations and to Egypt and South America. During his professional career, he
has appeared in every European nation except the Scandinavian countries and
Russia.
A coincidence marked his debut in France. His father, who meanwhile
had died, had made his final appearance in "Romance," with Doris Keane. It
was in a revival of this same show that the youthful Fernand was introduced
to Paris. An almost immediate success, he was starred in 20 plays, ranging
from light musical comedies to drama.
It was during these years that he met, courted and married the golden
haired Parisian star, Jane Renouardt. For the three following years, they
co-starred on the Paris stage.
The sudden, dramatic advent of talking pictures revolutionized the
European industry and brought a rush call for legitimate stage actors. Fer-
nand Gravet accepted a contract to go to Berlin and there make a picture for
UFA.
Midway through the production, the leading lady became seriously
ill, necessitating a delay of two months. Gravet' s contract gave him the
right to demand steady salary but instead he made his employers a surprising
proposal.
He would waive the salary, would instead accept only half his living
expenses provided he could be an assistant cameraman for one month and a film
"cutter" or editor for the second month. He realized the future of the
cinema, had determined to learn its technical aspects, to look at fellow ac-
tors through the camera's searching eye, to trace the film from the set to
the screen. With pleasure, his employers accepted his proposal and he thus
gained the experience he declares has since been invaluable to him.
Returning to Paris, he began a starring career that included 27 pic-
tures and made him one of the Continent's most popular figures. So popular,
in fact, that in Europe he constantly must wear a mustache, glasses and
• WfcA^c' "* ITU
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70
strange garb to escape the demanding hordes of autograph seekers. One of the
most pleasing features of his American visit, he said, was the "delightful
anonymity. n
Hollywood sent many offers to Gravet but he declined them all, fear-
ing he there might be forgotten, submerged, never given a chance at an ade-
quate role. Then in the Summer of 1936 he met Mervyn LeRoy, the Warner Bros,
director preparing to become a producer and head his own unit.
Mr. LeRoy listened to the objections of Gravet, met them, promised
he personally would direct each of Grave t's American films, and departed
homeward with a contract. Gravet followed in the Fall and in Hollywood
starred with Joan Blondell in "The King and the Chorus Girl," after which he
returned to France to await his next American picture, scheduled for November,
1937.
A dark-haired, brown eyed young man, Gravet stands five feet, 11
inches tall, weights 145 pounds and has a trim, military carriage. An accom-
plished horseman, his other major sport is fencing. His engrossing hobby is
the research and design of military miniatures, of which he has some 13,000
in the valuable collection in his Paris home. The hobby, incidentally, has
led to his becoming a recognized expert in military uniforms, and he soon is
to write a book on the subject.
Herewith is a partial list of Fernand Gravet' s motion pictures:
■Honey," "Her Wedding Night," "Man in Evening Clothes" and "Ladies Hair-
dresser," made in the Joinville studios; "The Widow's Bed," made in Berlin
for UFA; "Passionately," "Improvised Son," "Unfortunate Father" and "I Want
to be a Duchess," made in Paris; "The War of the Waltz," the sensational suc-
cess directed by Ludwig Berger in Berlin; "Bittersweet," the British Domin-
ions film in which he co-starred with Anna Neagle ; "Young Baron Neuhas,"
made in Germany; "There Was A Musician," "Touche a Tout," "Varieties," "If 1
Were Boss," "The Love Band," "The Seventh Man,"- "The Big Refrain," and "Mis-
oi, Ml
ter Flow," all made in Paris. The latter half dozen included a musical
comedy, a light comedy, a mystery melodrama and a drama, attesting to his
versatility.
Fernand Gravet's city residence is in Paris and his country home i
a farm in Touraine.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, and his current pic
tures include: "The King and the Chorus Girl," "Food for Scandal."
72
HUGH HERBERT
Hugh Herbert is his real name and he was born in New York City on
August 10th. He won't even try to remember the year. Is of Scotch-Irish de-
scent, which has surprised no end of people because of his excellence at Jew-
ish dialect.
Attended public school and high school, but couldn't become very in-
terested in books. His father was a contractor and Sonny was expected to
follow in his father's footsteps, but somehow he got side-tracked. Wanted to
be an actor the worst way and declares he was just that the first time he was
on the stage. First appeared as a "super" in a play called "Blue Jeans," in
a little theatre on 14th Street in New York.
His first really important work in the theatre was behind the screen
in a small movie house again on New York's 14th Street. He was the voice of
every male actor in the picture — the coming event that cast its shadow be-
fore — the forerunner of today's talking picture. He is pretty darned proud
when he thinks about that, which isn't very often.
Has appeared on every vaudeville stage and platform in America, has
hoofed in livery stables in Walla Walla, and has rolled them in the aisles at
the Palace Theatre on Broadway. Played for two years in a vaudeville act
"The Man From Next Door." His favorite and most successful role was that of
a Jewish character comedian in his own vaudeville sketch, "Son of Solomon."
Played in it for four years — the only Scotchman in the show business play-
ing a Jewish role and making it pay.
Appeared in numerous stock companies, and was so good at comedy dia-
lect that managers had him play a different dialect role every week. Just to
astonish and delight his audiences, Herbert might possibly appear in burnt
cork talking with a Scotch burr, or as an Irish comic might break fnto his
gesticulating Hebrew dialect.
It is interesting that he was co-author of the first all-talking
. . .
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73
picture ever made, "Lights of New York." This was intended to be an experi-
mental short subject, but it couldn't be stopped and it blossomed into a
feature.
It is his present ambition to make a trip around the world. Has had
his bags packed to go several times, but just then a new role was handed him
which was so funny that he could not refuse. Was once handed a script which
described a role in it saying, "This character has a face like a hot water
bottle, like Hugh Herbert."
If he ever left the stage or screen he would write. Has written a
trunkful of vaudeville sketches in which he has appeared. Or else he would
be a farmer — vegetables and fruit only. Recently bought a 200-acre tract
in San Fernando Valley. Plans to forget he owns it and remember about it
when values increase and he gets a good offer at a substantial profit.
In 1926 he left vaudeville holding the bag to appear in Will Morris-
sey's musical comedy "Polly From Hollywood" on Broadway. The show struggled
to Hollywood where a Warner scout saw Herbert and signed him to a long term
contract. His face first astonished, bewildered and convulsed film audiences
in "Goodbye Again." Since then he has appeared in more than 50 pictures.
Names as his favorite stars Donald Duck, James Cagney, Joan Blondell,
Wallace Beery and Mickey Mouse.
Is frightfully interested in botany. Explains that it is most ex-
citing, because there are so many thousands of things that spring up out of
the ground to study. He once mistook an ear of corn for a cucumber.
Does not sketch or paint, or play any musical instruments, but can
have more fun than a barrel of monkeys with a boxful of trick puzzles. The
kind you take apart and put together again.
Has a farm on the outskirts of Hollywood, a nice Colonial type house
with lots of land around it. (Incidentally, there is a huge oblong pool for
fish sunk in the middle of the floor of his library.) Raised livestock —
chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, cattle, pigs and goats. Got rid of them all
74
because he couldn't bear to slaughter them for market. Now he is busy with
the vegetable garden, and has plum and apricot trees. Also, has 15 dogs and
one cat. Started with only four dogs but somehow there are 15 now. This
makes him scratch and shake his head.
When the moon is out, he enthuses over Southern France. Declares
that the scenery is beautiful, that the wines are even more beautiful, and
that you can hire servants for practically nothing. He has never been there I
Favors the tailors of Hollywood for his sartorial effects. Says the
clothes are the best in the world there, and that the ready-to-wear clothes
are simply topping. Loves to go into a men's shop and try on funny hats
which are too small for him, just to make himself laugh and keep in good
humor.
Has a horror of getting up too early in the morning, dislikes meet-
ing strangers. Has an aversion to creating conversation with newly made
acquaintances, and would be delighted to murder teeth-sucking people in the-
atre audiences. Dislikes calf brains, tripe, and he despises Mexican hair-
less dogs. At times he wishes he were a motorcycle cop. Especially when he
sees motorists cutting up on the highway!
His pet economies? 50£ parking lots. He avoids them. His favorite
extravagance is a good dinner. Has a great love for good food and can toss
an entire dinner together, well seasoned and luscious, which you'd never for-
get. Likes baked fresh ham and Hungarian red cabbage. But his pet recipe is
a mess of spaghetti with ground round steak, garlic, tomato paste, onions,
and of course, spaghetti. Throws spaghetti parties for his friends at the
slightest provocation.
Says he does nothing to keep fit, explaining that there is no sense
in going for strenuous exercise in the California climate. "Take up mild
exercise," he says, "such as sleep." But he is an enthusiastic golfer and
fisherman, and he plays a mean game of handball and pinochle.
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Enjoys going to polo matches, football games, and the fights.
Sketches badly, plays the piano even worse, but boasts that he has a
very fine bathtub baritone.
When it comes to literature, he favors "Oliver Twist" by Dickens,
and "The Count of Monte Cristo," by Dumas. His favorite modern authors are
Peter B. Kyne and Somerset Maugham.
His hobbies, he declares, are farming, fishing and beer. Is happily
married, his wife being from the stage. She is a strikingly handsome brun-
ette and has played with him in some of his vaudeville sketches. In 1937
they celebrated their twenty-first wedding anniversary.
Off screen he is an extraordinarily sober man — unless he suddenly
thinks of a funny story. He immediately begins laughing until the finish —
then he waits for you to laugh. Doesn't enjoy telling stories to large
groups. Gets nervous. Admits he is the world's worst after dinner speaker.
He is five feet 8% inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, has blue-gray
eyes and dark brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and has appeared in
"Goodbye Again," "Convention City," "Kansas City Princess," "A Midsummer
Night's Dream," "Traveling Saleslady," "Miss Pacific Fleet," "Sing Me a Love
Song," "Marry the Girl," "Singing Marine," "The Perfect Specimen," "Shi The
Octopus," "Hollywood Hotel."
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76
WILLIAM HOPPER
William Hopper's real name is William DeWolf Hopper, he being the
son of the late comedian whose antics will be remembered by your fathers and
mothers. His mother is well-known for her screen work, being the still-fas-
cinating Hedda Hopper.
He was born in New York City January 26, 1915. Was educated at the
Raymond Riordan School in New York and then in California at the Catalina
School for Boys. Outside of arithmetic and things, he went in for boxing,
football, swimming, baseball and basketball.
It was his school day ambition to be a heavyweight boxer but when he
reached the ripe old age of 18 he suddenly decided he would like to go on the
stage. Was given his first opportunity by Edward Childs Carpenter, the play-
wright, and appeared on the Broadway stage in "Order Please," "Romeo and
Juliet" with Katharine Cornell and others. Has played with Miss Cornell,
James Bell, Peggy Wood and Maude Adams in her last stage appearance. Also
played in stock in the East, and when companies began to fold underneath him
he went to California to take a smack at the screen.
His favorites among the Hollywood darlings are Gary Cooper, Clark
Gable, Walter Connolly, Bette Davis, Victor Moore, Errol Flynn and Marlene
Dietrich.
Outside of dramatic art he declares he is most interested in litera-
ture and music, but he has never written anything for publication and he
plays no musical instrument. Does not even sketch or paint, dance or sing,
carve wood or whistle.
Simply hates back seat drivers, loud shirts, and long, long dinners.
Has no pet economies, but has a suppressed desire for Marlene Die-
trich, and his favorite extravagances are clothes, books and cars.
Doesn't go for any diet, but enthuses over beef-steak, french fried
potatoes, and lima beans.
77
To keep fit he walks and swims. Plays tennis and goes horseback
riding. Likes to watch boxing matches, football games, and hockey.
Says he hasn't any beauty secrets — just shaves.
Reads a great deal and names as his favorites, "Gone With The Wind,"
Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," Owen Wister's "The Virginian," and
Thorne Smith's "Skin and Bones."
Drives a Ford V-8, but hasn't acquired a yacht.
His favorite color is red, and when it comes to flowers he likes
camellias. Lists as his hobbies the radio, rare old books, and ping pong.
Has a collection of penguins — small glass ones, of course, made of china
and other stuff and things.
Hasn't any good luck charm, and is only superstitious about "Three
on one match. "
He is six feet 3 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds, has green eyes
and dark brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and his current
productions include: "The Footloose Heiress," "Love Is On The Air," "Adven-
turous Blonde," "Public Wedding," "Over The Goal," "Women Are Like That."
78
LESLIE HOWARD
Leslie Howard was born Leslie Stainer on April 24th 1893 in London.
Is the son of non-professional parents and was reared in the suburbs of Lon-
don. Was educated privately and attended Dulwich College, where he first
showed interest in the theatre. Wrote no end of school plays and acted in
them.
Leaving college he embarked upon a short-lived career as a bank
clerk "in the City." Then he went to war. War-time theatricals at the front
awakened his love for the theatre, and when he was demobilized he headed for
the theatrical agencies. First role was in a provincial company of "Peg 0'
My Heart."
Then he scored on the London stage and shortly afterwards came to
New York. Scored his first Broadway hit in "The Green Hat" with Katharine
Cornell, then in "Outward Bound," "Her Cardboard Lover," "Berkeley Square,"
and other successes.
It was "Outward Bound" which brought him to the attention of the
movie moguls. Warner Brothers signed the English actor and filmed "Outward
Bound," which proved to be a tremendous artistic success.
Ask him if he prefers the screen to the stage and he will throw up
his hands. Likes them both. Jumps back and forth between one and the other.
His contract permits this. During the course of a year he may make two pic-
tures in Hollywood, play a short season on Broadway in a hit play, play
another season on the London stage, then hop back to Hollywood for another
picture. He likes the screen, but he would never give up the stage for the
jumping gelatines.
If he left the stage or screen he would probably write. You see, he
is a very talented young man. You may have seen him in his own successful
stage play, "Murray Hill," and you probably have read his numerous amusing
pieces which have been published in Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and other
smart magazines.
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He also might become a very fine photographer. Is seldom without a
camera. Has a whole battery of machines ranging from a Brownie to the latest
home-movie outfit. Likes to dabble in a dark room, and develops most of his
own snapshots. Sometimes he can't be found at the studio where he is working
until someone thinks to look high up in the rafters or cat-walks where he is
shooting down with his pocket camera.
His two principal characteristics might be said to be: (a) Independ-
ence, (b) Elusiveness.
Example A — Independence: absolutely will not play a role which he
does not believe in. Turned down a flattering offer to play opposite Greta
Garbo in "Queen Christina," saying it wouldn't be fair to her nor to him to
accept a part for which he believed he was obviously unfitted. Turned down a
role opposite Marion Davies, too.
Example B — Elusiveness: Sometimes he can't be f ound 1 Sometimes he
forgets appointments ! Sometimes he almost misses trains ! When a studio
searching party is looking for him he may be tramping through the woods in
old clothes with his dogs. Or he might be strolling over the green lawns
at the studio lost in meditation, or lying by the pool watching the goldfish.
If you pass him and speak to him he may not hear you. He doesn't mean to cut
you. He's just thinking about something. On a studio set it takes three as-
sistant directors to keep track of him. Has a habit of vanishing like a
wraith. Maybe he's napping in his dressing-room. More likely he's up on
those cat-walks with his camera. Directors say he is very easy to work with
once they find him.
Would love to sing in public but admits that he never will. Hasn't
a very good singing voice, and knows it. That doesn't prevent him from
using it freely when he is alone. He is a fine bathtub baritone. Doesn't
dance very well, and thinks it's a wasted effort anyway.
Would rather play polo than eat. Is a whale of a polo player.
Loves it any hour or day of the week. Naturally he likes to gallop over the
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80
Hollywood bridle paths. Also plays a fast game of tennis and is a good
swimmer.
Does a lot of reading and goes in for good literature. His favorite
subjects are biography, historical subjects and anything by Shakespeare.
(Played title role in "William Shakespeare" on the London stage but it was
not a success.) His favorite novel is Hardy's "Return of the Native." His
favorite stage play to read is Ibsen's "Peer Gynt," which he wants tremen-
dously to do on the stage or screen.
Isn't particular about his clothes. His wife sees to them. Makes
sure that he matches shirts, ties and sox. He believes first of all in com-
fort. Favorite outfit is a pair of old flannel trousers, a nondescript
blazer jacket and a beret. He's happy in those.
He thinks domesticity is grand and is mad about his children, a boy
and a girl. His daughter is his close companion and is a good polo player.
He expects to see her get a ten goal handicap in another three years. (What-
ever that is.) He names them as his pets. Also has horses and no end of
dogs of all kinds.
His favorite dish is roast beef rare washed down with stout.
He'd like to shuttle back and forth endlessly between London (has a
beautiful old manor house in England) , New York and Hollywood — which seems
to be pretty much what he does despite his belief that he spends too long a
time in one place. His likes are very decided, his principle, he says, be-
ing: "To do what I wish."
He is exceedingly popular with everyone. He's a very nice sort of
person.
He is a blond with blue eyes, is five feet 10 inches tall, and
weighs 145 pounds.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., his recent
successes being, "Captured," "Of Human Bondage" (for RKO) , "British Agent,"
"Petrified Forest," "It's Love I'm After."
81
IAN HUNTER
Ian Hunter, an importation from the English stage and screen, was
born in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 13th, 1900. Was educated at St. An-
drews College, Grahamstown, South Africa; and Aldenham School, Radlet, Hart-
fordshire, England. During his college days he participated in all of the
usual athletics.
Entered the British Army toward the end of the war, and when mustered
out of service he followed the example of his brothers and went on the stage.
Was given his first opportunity by Basil Dean. Played in numerous London
successes, with such well-known English stars as Gerald Du Maurier, Gladys
Cooper, Herbert Marshall, Leslie Banks, Edna Best, and others.
He was given his first screen opportunity by Alfred Hitchcock, the
London film producer. His last English picture, "The Church Mouse," has been
released in this country.
His favorite stage role is that of Captain Hook in "Peter Pan." Has
no favorite screen role to date, but enjoyed playing King Theseus in "A Mid-
summer Night's Dream," under the direction of Professor Max Reinhardt, for
Warner Brothers.
If he ever left the drama he believes he might make a success as a
cook. Names as his favorite dishes, Whitstable oysters, caviar, lobster
thermidor, grilled loin chop, bacon and eggs, bread and cheese and beer.
Naturally, a diet means nothing to him.
His favorites of the screen are Lewis Stone, Norma Shearer, Gary
Cooper, Wallace Beery, Miriam Hopkins, Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert.
Is deeply interested in music, but cannot play any musical instru-
ment. Just a good listener. Has never written anything for publication and
does not sketch or paint. Nor dance or sing.
Has travelled through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Spain.
, ;t.i.a.Go l
Not much interested in clothes, except from a work point of view.
Prefers a tailor he knows in London.
Among pet aversions he lists: radios, new shoes, automobiles,
civilization and progress.
He has a pet economy. Goes around turning off the lights. His ex-
travagances — horse races and best wines.
To keep fit he sails a boat. Also goes in strong for golf, tennis,
and swimming. Likes to watch polo matches and football games, also prize
fights.
Is an incessant reader, his favorite books being John Galsworthy's
"Forsyte Saga," Belloi's "Cruise of the Nona," Dorothy Parker's "Laments for
the Living," Percy Fitzpatrick' s "Sock of the Bushveld," and all of Ernest
Thompson Seton's animal books.
He is married to Casha Pringle, an actress. Two children, Jolyon
George, age 8, and Robin Fan, age 5. Then there is "Hamish," a mongrel dog.
Drives a Ford, and his boat is a cutter.
He is six feet one and % inches tall, has brown hair and grey eyes.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his latest
pictures include: "The Girl From 10th Avenue," "A Midsummer Night's Dream,"
"I Found Stella Parish," "White Angel, ■ "Stolen Holiday," "Another Dawn,"
"Call It a Day," "Confession," "That Certain Woman," "The Adventures of Robin
Hood."
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83
ALLEN JENKINS
Allen Jenkins was born in New York City, but the date of his birth
seems to have eluded somebody or other.
His real name is Allen McGonigal. Says he changed it because he
could never remember whether to spell it "McGonigle" or "McGonigal." Jenkins
— nothing tricky about that !
Was educated in the schools of New York City, but left high school
in his senior year to carry a spear or something in the chorus of a musical
comedy. Didn't stay long, as his parents, who were of the theatre, convinced
him that if he wanted a dramatic career he should study for it. So young
Jenkins — McGonigal (right?) forthwith enrolled in the American Academy of
Dramatic Art in New York.
To make a lap-dissolve or cinematic cut-back, it is important to an-
nounce that during his school days he used to cruise the East River in leaky
old tubs. This is most important as it shows the beginning of his nautical
career. When the World War began (boom-boom!) Allen again became nautical
and went to work in the government ship-yards until the end of the War.
He was 18 when the Kaiser surrendered to him and then came his first
job as assistant stage manager with the Sam H. Harris show "Secrets." De-
cided he should learn all the male roles in the show. Must have been tipped
off by a fortune teller because suddenly one of the actors became ill and
Allen, the self-appointed understudy, got the part.
That, my Tots, was the beginning. He played in "What Price Glory,"
"Rain," "The Last Mile," "The Front Page," "Five Star Final," and "Blessed
Event. "
It was his role in "Blessed Event" that made Hollywood decide they
could not do without him. He was signed by Warners to play his stage role in
"Blessed Event," and then came a long-term contract at the Warner Studio.
Since then he has appeared in more than 50 pictures. So many, that he has
lost accurate count of them.
84
Is unquestionably the busiest actor on the Warner lot. Has worked
in as many as three pictures simultaneously. Doesn't mind the activity a
bit. "It's when they start forgetting I'm around that I'll start to worry,"
he says.
Continues to long for the sea and declares if he ever left the screen
he'd turn to the "bounding main" for a living. Recently built a little sail-
boat in his back yard, and named it the "Queen Mary." Is crazy about sailing
and somewhat responsible for trying to turn Jimmy Cagney into a sailor in
spite of Cagney's queer twist of becoming seasick at the slightest roll of a
boat .
The world should know that Allen Jenkins does not roar off screen
the way he does in pictures. Nor does he tear his hair nor rip his hat to
shreds in comical frenzy. In fact, he seldom wears a hat. Hats and neckties
he classifies as the unnecessary evils of the masculine wardrobe, and the
only concession he will make to the male fashion arbiters is to wear an anti-
quated white linen cap occasionally.
He frankly considers himself the worst dressed male in Hollywood,
which he contends, entitles him to the doubtful distinction of being the
worst dressed man in the world. "We have them both in Hollywood," he ex-
plains. "The best dressed man and the worst dressed man in the world. I am
undoubtedly the champion in the latter group."
The gentleman was married in 1933, and the Jenkins family live in a
bungalow above the Pacific in Santa Monica. They live quietly and seldom
join the social whirl of Hollywood, preferring their own circle of intimate
friends, consisting mostly of Pat O'Brien, Jimmy Cagney, Hugh Herbert, Frank
McHugh, Jimmy Gleason and others. These gentlemen unofficially call them-
selves the Mugs Club, because none of them ever has a chance of becoming a
matinee idol.
85
Jenkins has several ambitions. The latest is to direct motion pic-
tures, but he is in no hurry for this undertaking so the megaphone will have
to wait.
Next to his nautical hobby, his hobbies go to the dogs. Raises prize
Chow dogs, and his favorites are Tessa and Chummy. Jenkins claims Chummy is
the most intelligent dog in the whole world. Recently interested Pat O'Brien
in the Chow dogs, so Pat now has a yard full of them. Jenkins — on his
softer side — has a great fondness for nusic, his parents having been musi-
cians of talent.
Names as his pet hates, smugness, self-satisfaction and intolerance.
Plays handball, likes to fish, but claims he is no great shakes as
an athlete. Is usually as brown as a Filipino due to long hours spent in the
sunshine, but claims he has never been sunburned in his life.
Is rated among the better cooks in Hollywood, and says he is even
better than Hugh Herbert. His favorite recipe is Shrimp Creole. Use green
eastern shrimps, peas, carrots, peppers, celery, finely chopped onions, all
mixed together and covered with a red hot sauce.
Is only occasionally interested in politics, he never diets, his
favorite foreign city is London where, he says, people are exceedingly
friendly and hospitable.
Has no expensive tastes. Saves his money and lives strictly up to
the terms of a specific financial program.
Is five feet 10% tall, weighs 150 pounds, has brown eyes and dark
brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and his important
productions include: "Blessed Event," "The Irish in Us," "Page Miss Glory,"
"Three Men on a Horse," "Cain and Mabel," "Marked Woman," "Ever Since Eve,"
"The Singing Marine," "The Perfect Specimen," "Shi The Octopus," "Swing Your
Lady. "
■All
ALLYN JOSLYN
Allyn Joslyn was born in Milford, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1905. Was
educated in public schools, then went to Chestnut Hill Academy. During his
school days he pitched on the baseball team, played quarterback on the foot-
ball team, and much to his surprise, played the role of Oberon in a school
presentation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Began his career on the stage after odd jobs as office boy and so on
Declares he began as a "crepe hair actor" always playing old men, finally
playing his first juvenile role after nine years of life behind whiskers.
Played on the stage with such celebrities as John Barrymore, Eva Le
Galliene, Joseph Schildkraut, Helen Chandler, Otis Skinner, Alfred Lunt, Lynn
Fontanne, Edward G. Robinson, Basil Sidney, and others.
Has been seen in a lot of good and bad plays on Broadway. Played in
five plays in succession with the longest run of one of these being two weeks
Has been heard on 3,500 radio programs, doing as many as 32 in one week, with
8 in one day. Appeared in vaudeville for the long engagement of three days
in Jersey City.
His first hit role in the Broadway sucess, "Boy Meets Girl," got him
his first screen contract with Mervyn LeRoy without taking a test. LeRoy im-
mediately gave him the role of the reporter in "They Won't Forget," and he
scored his first hit in his screen debut.
It is his present ambition to produce and direct New York stage
plays. Declares that if he ever gave up the stage or screen he would un-
doubtedly starve, because he dislikes work.
Has written no end of radio shows, both straight drama and light
comedy with musical settings.
Names as his favorite stage and screen actors, Paul Muni, Helen
Hayes, Edward G. Robinson, and all blonde ingenues.
87
Outside of the drama, he is most interested in photography. Says he
gets dandy candid shots with his $1.39 camera.
Doesn't play any musical instruments, but says he had a fine singing
voice until he smoked cigarettes.
As a pet aversion he names "possesions." Hates to acquire things.
Also dislikes to spend money on anything that shows material results. But his
favorite extravagance is riding in taxicabs wherever he might want to go.
To keep fit he plays tennis, swims, and goes fishing. Fishing, in-
cidentally, is his chief hobby. When it comes to sports to watch, he likes
to peer at the game of Pelota, tennis matches, and water polo.
Doesn't do anything about a diet. Says he likes to eat steak and
game birds, except doves.
When it comes to reading, he prefers biographies and the writings of
Walt Whitman, Stendhal and J. K. Huysmans.
Has been married for three years to Dorothy Yockel of the stage,
and names her as his particular pet. Outside of that, his favorite color is
blue, and he likes daffodils. Likes to play bridge and card games but isn't
particularly interested in politics, doesn't collect first editions, and does
not save his money very fast.
Allyn Joslyn is six feet one and one-half inches tall, weighs 165
pounds, has grey-green eyes and blonde hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his produc-
tions include: "They Won't Forget," "Expensive Husbands," "Hollywood Hotel."
88
BORIS KARLOFF
Born as Charles Edward Pratt in Dulwich, London suburb, November 23,
1887, Boris Karloff was educated for the British consular service. His
father, James Pratt, was in the British Indian Service, belonging to that
grade in the British caste system which sent its sons not into the Army or
the Navy but to a place on the civil list.
So first to Merchant Taylor School in London went young Charles Edward
Pratt, later to Uppingham, still later to King's College of Consular Service,
studying what would fit him for his destined career.
In 1909 he rebelled. Jumped school, home, family, career, abandoned
his name. He took that of his maternal grandfather, Boris Karloff, and as
such sailed for Halifax, N. S. Had no definite objective other than that of
keeping alive and seeing the world. Drifted to Montreal and, running out of
funds, became a laborer to an Ontario farmer.
Toward the end of the year, Karloff learned of his father's death.
He returned home but, after only the briefest of stays, was back in Canada.
Still no better off in funds, he drifted to Vancouver, with a total worldly
wealth of $5. He tried pick-and-shovel work on the construction of a new
race track, then became a real estate salesman. Didn't pay very well, and
once for seven days he was forced to live on 28 cents.
In the lobby of the Vancouver Hotel, a year later in December, 1910,
he ran across his brother, John Pratt, en route from China to London. He ob-
tained money to tide him over, and presently in response to a classified ad,
got his first theatrical job. Invented a great reputation as an English
player, and then became the "heavy" in the Ray Brandon Players of Kamloops,
British Columbia.
Two years, and again he was broke. So was the company — stranded
in Regina. That very day, however, a cyclone wrecked the Saskatchewan town.
It's an ill wind, etc. For Karloff got work clearing away the debris.
i
89
What a life of ups and downs the man led thereafter is too long to
chronicle in minute detail. But it was the life of the minor stock company-
player of the day, throughout Canada and the American Northwest. He was in
and out of stock companies and road shows more often than he can remember.
A copy of "Billboard," flung from a car window, led through an ad to
an engagement with the Harry St. Clair Players of Prince Albert. It lasted
two years, enabled the "heavy" to save $800. He went to Chicago into the "big
time." Then — the World War. He tried to enlist in the British Army but
was rejected because of bad health. Then back into stock company work with
the Brinkham Players at Bemidji, Minn.
Another fling with the St. Clair repertoire company led to Minot,
N. D., where Karloff played in 106 different bills in 53 weeks before going
on to Atchison, Kansas, and finally, in 1916, back to Chicago.
He played the next two years, until 1918, with such stock companies
as the San Pedro, Haggerty Repertory, Maude Amber and Robert Lawrence. Dur-
ing this period he made his first cinema appearance in a mob scene at Univer-
sal. Minor and "bit" roles followed for four years.
But the pickings were so slim that Karloff became a truck driver for
the George L. Eastman concrete and cement firm, stipulating for time off
whenever he was called to work in a picture. In 1924, working ten days on lo-
cation in "Never the Twain Shall Meet," starring Bert Lytell, Karloff lost his
trucking job.
Then he caught on at F. B. 0. and won featured billing in "Forbidden
Fruit" with Evelyn Brent. Stage engagements in San Francisco and Los Angeles
added to his reputation as an actor, and his picture roles became more and
more important until "Frankenstein" won him acclaim as one of the outstanding
character actors of the screen.
Six feet, Karloff weighs 170 pounds, has large brown eyes, grayish-
brown hair. He married a non-professional, lives in Katharine Hepburn's for-
90
mer home in Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills. He enjoys reading, motoring,
cricket, tennis, golf and hiking.
His feature roles in Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., include: "Mad Gen-
ius," "Smart Money," "Five Star Final," "I Like Your Nerve," "The Walking
Dead," "West of Shanghai," "Without Warning."
91
PATRIC KNOWLES
Patric Knowles changed his name from Reginald Laurence Knowles just
because he liked it better. He was born on November 11, 1911, in Yorkshire,
England, which naturally makes him British.
His earliest ambition was to be an actor or an engineer on a train.
At the age of 14 he left a prep school in Oxford to go to Ireland where he
drove a van through the countryside for a show troupe. Made his stage debut
at this time playing small roles with the stock company. His first stage ap-
pearance, however, was in public school when he had his first case of stage
fright appearing in "The Merchant of Venice."
Played in stock in England and Ireland for four years. Played with
the famous Abbey Players, the Irish Repertory company; and the Croydon, Lei-
cester, and Oxford Repertory companies in England.
Declares he got on the screen quite by accident, explaining "Because
I couldn't live without money." Appeared in about twenty pictures produced
in England. A Warner Bros, scout saw him and he was transported to Hollywood.
His favorite stage role was in the English play, "Yellow Sands." His
favorite screen role is in "The Charge of the Light Brigade."
His present ambition is to be a motion picture director. Otherwise,
he would like to be a writer. Once held down a job as advertising manager
with a British firm and wrote some excellent copy. Has written a short book,
"With the Wandering Players in Ireland." Outside of the drama he is inter-
ested in most of the arts. Can sketch a little, is musical, and likes good
literature .
Is interested in clothes only as a matter of necessary wardrobe for
his roles. Declares the New York tailors are as good as those in London.
Goes in heavy for sports. Plays cricket, football, tennis, enjoys
swimming, rowing, boxing. Was something of a runner in his school days. Is
now going in for aviation under the tutelage of George Brent, and soon hopes
to have his pilot's license. Plays the ukulele and the radio.
92
Names as his pet aversions street-cars, noise of all kinds, includ-
ing babies that howl.
Says he has no pet economies and that his favorite extravagances are
his friends.
Does nothing special to keep fit except indulge in his favorite
sports, and does not go in for any diet.
Lists as his favorite foods: Yorkshire pudding, hamburger sandwiches,
and salads of all kinds. Says he is a good cook.
Goes in heavy for ping pong, likes to watch polo matches, stunt
fliers, automobile races, and prize fights.
Is married to Enid Percival, formerly of the London stage. They have
no children.
His favorite books are "Treasure Island," "Lorna Doone," "Tarka the
Otter," "Sala the Salmon," and names as his favorite authors Henry Williamson,
Robert Louis Stevenson, Liam O'Flaherty.
Lists his wife as his favorite pet, and next comes "Tibs," a cat.
Drives a Buick, and has a suppressed desire to steal Clark Gable's car. Has
no yacht, no beach house, no mountain cabin.
Ask him what his favorite color is and he'll tell you — Blood. His
favorite flower is the rose.
Names as his hobbies, riding, drawing, and collecting little ele-
phants. Has a terrific collection of little elephants.
Is not very much interested in government problems or politics. And
he has no good luck charm.
He has hazel eyes, brown hair, is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 174
pounds .
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his latest
productions include: "Give Me Your Heart," "The Charge of the Light Brigade,"
"It's Love I'm After," "Expensive Husbands," "Patient In Room 18," "The Ad-
ventures of Robin Hood."
LOLA LANE
Lola Lane was born Dorothy Mullican in Macy, Indiana, on May 21st.
Gus Edwards was responsible for changing her name - he had two favorite names
Lila Lee and Lola Lane, so she got the second. This was following a success-
ful tryout with Gus Edwards' "Ritz Carlton Nights," which played over no end
of vaudeville circuits.
Her family moved to Indianola, Indiana, where she was educated in
grammar school, in Indianola High School and then Simpson College. Was good
at basketball, tennis and swimming, but had an unquenchable desire for the
stage. In school, she sang in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and also ap-
peared in every class play that turned up.
At the age of 16 came her successful tryout with Gus Edwards. By
naming her Lola Lane, he changed practically the whole family, because the
rest of the Mullican girls, Rosemary, Priscilla, Leota, and Martha, all dis-
carded their original names and adopted the Coat of Arms and Crest of "Lane."
Following her vaudeville success, she appeared on the Broadway stage
in "The Greenwich Village Follies" and in "The War Song" with George Jessel.
Credits Jessel for giving her her screen opportunity, as he arranged for a
test for her to play the lead in "Speakeasy" for Fox. Following this, she
played in numerous successful pictures under the Fox banner. Attempted to
retire from the screen and be a housewife several times but it didn't jell.
Married Lew Ayres and divorced him. Ditto with Alexander Hall. Believes now
that the screen is the place for her, so another venture at matrimony will
have to wait for the right man to come along.
If she ever left the dramatic fold she would go in for dress design-
ing. Seems to have a real aptitude and originality for this sort of thing.
Outside of being more or less of an amateur couturier, she is mostly inter-
ested in music. Plays the piano and sings and all that sort of thing.
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94
Names as her favorites of the screen Kay Francis, Paul Muni, and the
rest of the Lane sisters.
Has been in Canada, Mexico and Cuba, but that isn't enough. Has a
hankering to look over Austria, India, England, and Sweden, and finish up
in Paris in an orgy of replenishing her wardrobe. As a matter of fact, her
suppressed desire is to travel all over the world and peer around at stuff
and things.
Has no pet economy, and her favorite extravagance is buying clothes.
Her favorite color is blue, but if you want her to like you, send her orchids.
lo keep fit she diets, exercises, and has massages. Indulges in a
special diet under her doctor's orders.
Has no favorite foods particularly, but she can cook and often does.
Says she does nothing to protect her good looks except rest and sleep.
Likes to play tennis, goes riding and swimming, enjoys football
games, but turns up her dainty nose at prize fights. But she is a real ath-
lete indoors when she unfolds the Bridge table and starts to shuffle cards.
Collects first editions of her favorite modern authors. Also enjoys
the books of Voltaire, Donn Byrne, Heinrick, Van Loon, Stephen Zweig, and
all of Shakespeare's plays.
Has no particularly strong superstition, but is a little bit wary of
all of them and shudders slightly if a hat is tossed on a bed, if someone
whistles in a dressing room, or if three cigarettes are lighted on one match.
She is five feet 3 inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, has violet eyes
and rusty blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has appeared
in "Marked Woman," "Hollywood Hotel."
95
PRISCILLA LANE
Priscilla Lane, youngest of the five talented Lane sisters (Lola,
Leota, Martha, Rosemary and Priscilla) , the daughter of Dr. L. A. Mullican,
prominent Indianola dentist, was born in Indianola, Iowa, June 12, 1917.
When Lola began her professional career with Gus Edwards he gave her
the name, "Lola Lane." Proud of their sister's fame, Priscilla and Rosemary
decided they too would assume that name when they began their singing careers
with Fred Waring' s Pennsylvanians .
To her intimates Priscilla is known as "Pat: — a nickname she has
had since infancy. It was given to her then by Rosemary who had a childish
difficulty in pronouncing "Priscilla."
Priscilla received her education at Indianola and made her first
public appearance at a Des Moines theatre when she and Rosemary sang at a
premiere of one of Lola's pictures. Later she attended and was graduated from
the Fagin School of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Following her gradua-
tion, her mother and Rosemary met her there.
One day Priscilla and Rosemary were trying out some songs in the
music publishing firm of DeSylva, Brown & Henderson, preparatory to returning
to Iowa and a possible radio career.
Fred Waring dropped in and listened. Suddenly he offered them the
opportunity of joining his Pennsylvanians. After a worried conference with
their mother they signed a contract which has endured for more than five
years. Priscilla was 14 then.
They opened at the Roxy Theatre in New York. The first night,
Priscilla was so nervous that she began chewing gum to help her gain self-
possession. She forgot to get rid of the gum, and when she appeared on the
stage it got in the way of her singing, Waring chuckled, stopped the music,
and began ribbing her. She gave him answers in kind and her talent as a com-
edienne was revealed. Just like that!
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When Waring made his debut in 1933 on a national radio program,
Priscilla became one of the leading comediennes of the airways. And when Waring
and His Pennsylvanians signed to star with Dick Powell in Warner Bros.
"Varsity Show" she signed too and scored a tremendous hit in the gay college
musical.
Priscilla declares she was always the tomboy of the Mullican fam-
ily. When her sisters were playing with dolls Priscilla was climbing roofs
and trees, and swinging daringly on a trapeze. During her childhood she
dodged practising music and carefully avoided arithmetic because she disliked
them both. Who doesn't?
She is the athletic type rather than the frilly feminine. Is a good
tennis player, an expert equestrienne and is fond of wild flowers. Favorite
song is "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal." Is content to be a
singer, dancer and comedienne — but would like to go dramatic and tragic
just once !
Doesn't want to be a professional all her life. In about 10 years
would like to start traveling extensively — visting Egypt, China, India and
other faraway places. Both Priscilla and Rosemary are exceptionally fond of
cats and adopt strays at every opportunity.
Mystery stories filled with blood-curdling screams are her favorite
reading. Definitely a girl of the outdoors, she loves horses and will talk
about them for hours. Reads every book on horses she can obtain and is a
racing and rodeo enthusiast. Always has her candid camera handy, for photog-
raphy is a pet hobby.
She has big blue eyes, blonde hair, is five feet 2% inches tall,
weighs 102 pounds, and boasts of one of the smallest waists in Hollywood —
18 inches around !
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include: "Varsity Show."
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97
ROSEMARY LANE
Rosemary Lane was born Rosemary Mullican in Indianola, Iowa, on April
4, 1916. She attended grammar school and high school there, then went to
Simpson College.
Here, her talent began to bud, for she appeared in operettas and
school plays. Also took voice lessons and practiced playing the piano for it
was her ambition to become a concert pianist some day. She also went in for
tennis, hockey, soccer, and the track team.
In college she joined the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, also the Zelethean
Literary Society, to say nothing of the National Scholastic Society. Sounds
like she might have been one of those be -spectacled campus grinds, but she
was actually the original Betty Co-Ed, with plenty of boy friends hanging
around the Sorority House.
But Rosemary wasn't the only talented tot in the family. There were
her older sisters Leota and Lola, and a sister nearer her own age, Priscilla.
Leota and Lola were the first to launch themselves on a theatrical career in
spite of the fact that their ancestry was Middle Western Methodist, with an
ingrained disapproval of the stage as a career. Indeed, their father, Dr. L.
A. Mullican, felt strongly on the matter, but he was only one man against a
flock of women, and he had to give in.
It happened that Rosemary came to New York with her mother to visit
Priscilla who was taking a dramatic course in the Big City. The girls
stopped in a music publisher's to buy some of the newest songs, and were run-
ning over the music when a man passing by paused to listen to their voices.
Taking an awful gamble, he opened the door, and walked in and said: "I am
Fred Waring. Want to join my Pennsylvanians?"
"We'll have to ask mother," they chorused, scared half to death.
And that, my friends, is how history was made.
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Rosemary and Priscilla toured twelve weeks with Fred Waring' s Penn-
sylvanians, then came a year on the Old Gold Air Show, with plenty of other
radio work with this college band.
More magic ! Waring and his Pennsylvanians trekked to Hollywood in
1937 to co-star with Dick Powell in "Varsity Show". The Warner scouts looked
Rosemary over, also Priscilla, screen tested them. The rest is more history.
Rosemary declares she is in love with the movies, but if she had to
give her screen and radio work up, she would probably give voice lessons for
a living. Or she might design clothes. She does that now, anyway. At odd
moments she plays the piano, and she can toot a nasty chord on the harmonica.
Names as her favorite stars Leota, Lola and Priscilla Lane, Norma
Shearer, Greta Garbo, Irene Dunne, Dick Powell, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard,
Paul Muni and Robert Montgomery.
Europe interests her terrifically as a place to peer around. She
prefers to buy clothes in New York rather than Hollywood. Pet extravagance
is shoes. When in New York she hoards the latest modes on display at Saks-
Fifth Avenue. Hates the smell of a cigar. Makes her stomach do nip-ups.
Gets furious at people who leave a cigarette smouldering in an ash tray.
Dislikes "show-offs." Can't abide women who make-up and tint their hair too
flamboyantly.
Uses very little make-up herself. Bathes her face with soap and
water. Her fair complexion is flawless, like the poets say. Has violet eyes
and unpoetically describes her hair as "rusty blonde."
To keep fit she takes moderate exercise. Eats a balanced diet and
gets plenty of sleep. Adores creamed chicken, custards, and chocolate
eclairs. Doesn't go in for a diet at all. Just "eats sensibly."
Likes to watch football, hockey and tennis matches. Plays a good
game of tennis herself, swims like a mermaid, and whangs a nasty ping pong
racket .
99
Has a suppressed desire to be a grand opera singer. Is very eco-
nomical and conservative on almost everything.
Likes good books and favors good biographies. Names as her favorite
authors Kipling, Longfellow, Shakespeare, and books on philosophy. Drives a
Ford car, but doesn't own a boat or beach house.
Likes to work out cross word puzzles, play bridge, Casino, and Mon-
opoly. Her favorite color is blue and she hopes her boy friends will always
send her roses.
Is somewhat interested in politics and fearlessly announces that
she is a New Dealer. Has no superstitions, but her good luck charm is a
charm bracelet.
She is five feet four inches tall, weighs 106 pounds, has violet
blue eyes and rusty blonde hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and her latest pic-
tures are "Varsity Show,- "Hollywood Hotel."
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100
VICKI LESTER
Vicki Lester, who found the name of the heroine in "A Star Is Born"
waiting for her when she got off the Chief to begin her movie career with
Mervyn LeRoy at Warner Bros., was born Dorothy Day in New York City on April
7, 1915.
LeRoy believed the name of Vicki Lester would be an auspicious one
for the girl he had signed to a personal contract as Dorothy Day, so he got
permission from David 0. Selznick, who produced "A Star Is Born," to christen
his new discovery with the name of the girl who rose to fame and fortune as
a Hollywood personality in the picture. They didn't have to holler "Sur-
prise !" when Dorothy got off the train to discover she was Vicki Lester.
Vicki went to Public School 6 in New York, then to the Julia Rich-
man High School.
Her earliest ambition was to be a designer or an artist. Her ideal
set-up would have been to make her living designing clothes and to have art
as an avocation. She grew up beautiful, however, and found herself in demand
as a model for commercial photographers. Since graduating from high school,
modeling jobs were the only ones she had.
Became one of New York's most popular photographic subjects, model-
ing for virtually any kind of product that came along. She has helped sell,
through her charms, everything from tiaras to tractors. Soon she was grouped
with "The Twelve Most Photographed Girls In America."
Walter Wanger brought Vicki and her eleven fellow models to Holly-
wood to wear the clothes whipped up for "Vogues of 1938." That was her
screen debut. Mervyn LeRoy picked her out of the group as "the one most
likely to succeed," gave her a personal contract, and permitted her to return
to New York before beginning her acting career.
On her return to start screen work, she discovered she was "Vicki
Lester." Wasn't in Hollywood a week before LeRoy lent her to Warner Bros, for
101
"The Patient in Room 18." Then came something more important in LeRoy's "Food
for Scandal," starring Carole Lombard and Fernand Gravet.
Vicki's present ambition is to "be good enough on the screen to get
somewhere." Aside from the drahmah she is interested in music and drawing.
Plays the piano, sketches, and paints. Also dances. Affectation and con-
ceit are two distinct dislikes. Her suppressed desire is to have "a heaven of
clothes. "
Clothes are her favorite extravagance. Shoes, her pet economies.
Doesn't know why, but she hates to throw shoes away, no matter how worn out
or outmoded they are. Dances and ice skates to keep fit. Diet doesn't
bother her — her favorite foods are steak, caviar, truffles and crepes suz-
ette. But she can't cook.
Takes good care of her complexion. Uses soap and water before she
goes to bed. Swimming and sun bathing contribute to her physical well-being.
She feels good, too, when she watches football and hockey, even though she
can't participate.
Her taste in literature runs to the epic, three of her favorites
being, "The Good Earth," "Gone With the Wind" and "Anthony Adverse." That's
because when she likes to curl up with a book, she likes to curl up for a
long time.
Blue is her favorite color, gardenia the choice flower. Her hobby
is saving handkerchiefs and handkerchiefs are what she collects the way some
people collect match packets.
Is superstitious by having a good luck charm. It's a matrix ring.
And is extremely fearful of being third on a match.
In a bit of self-analysis , Vicki admits that she loves clothes above
everything; that she is extravagant, independent, well-balanced, moody, in-
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consistent, emotional, impulsive, all of them in and out of turn; that she
has her feet on the ground; that she is stormy and placid alternately; and
that she has a hot temper, for which she is invariably sorry afterward.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her recent
pictures include, "The Patient In Room 18," "Food For Scandal."
103
MARGARET LINDSAY
Margaret Lindsay was born Margaret Kies on September 19th, 1910 in
Dubuque, Iowa, where her parents were prominent socially. There is nothing
at all in her family background to indicate the strong predilection for the
stage which she showed from school days.
She decided that she would like to be a movie star, but was packed
off to the National Park Seminary, Washington, D. C. , where she stuck to her
guns by majoring in dramatics. Carried off nearly all the honors of her
senior year. Was Senior Executive of her class, President of the dramatic
club, Captain of Athletics for the school, and was a member of the Alpha
Epsilon Pi sorority.
The acting "bug" got her. Now to do something about it. She wasted
no time in entering the American Academy of Dramatic Art and was graduated
with honors. Also sandwiched in a course in a dancing school.
Now for a job. But the New York stage was in the doldrums, so she
decided that London might offer a better field for an ambitious young player.
Went to England and played in Galsworthy's "Escape," in "Death Takes a Holi-
day," "By Candlelight," and "The Middle Watch." Make a note that she acquired
a perfect English accent, which is important as can be seen by what followed.
Returned to New York to find Broadway little if any better than when
she left it.
So buckity-buckity off she went to Hollywood to see what was happen-
ing. Played for six months or so in minor roles and didn't seem to be get-
ting places. And now we come to The Great Deception.
A picture called "Cavalcade" was going into production and our hero-
ine had her heart set upon one of the important roles. But the rule of elig-
ibility for a role was that every player should be English, since the drama
was a pageant of English life and history.
do!4« .
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104
But armed with a year of stage experience in London, an accent, com-
plete self-confidence, the girl from Iowa decided she could fool the Powers
That Be. She took a test, got the job, scored a hit. Was hailed as a born
and bred British actress, and not until long after the release of "Cavalcade,"
in which she appeared as the girl on the Titanic, was The Great Deception dis-
closed.
Net result: She now has a jolly top-hole contract with Warner Bros.-
First National Pictures, her first role being opposite William Powell in
"Private Detective 62."
Her favorite screen role is the one she is playing in at the moment,
although she is sentimental about her role in "Cavalcade," and she likes the
"character role" she played in "The World Changes." Her favorite stage role
was in "Death Takes a Holiday." She now prefers the screen to the stage.
Her favorite screen personalities are Leslie Howard, Fredric March,
Paul Muni, James Cagney, Miriam Hopkins and Helen Hayes. Of the stage she
likes Herbert Marshall and Katharine Cornell.
Naturally, she likes the plays of Noel Coward. Favors the music of
Brahms and Bach, the operas of Wagner, the symphonies of Beethoven, and the
jazz and musical comedy melodies of George Gershwin.
If she ever left the stage or screen she would like to teach dramat-
ics or dancing. Outside of the drama she is interested in literature and
music, declaring "they provide the greatest release for the emotions, and
therefore assist in giving a background for improving acting."
She knows her United States and has traveled in Germany and England.
Likes the foggy English climate, declaring it is invigorating and good for the
complexion. Prefers to buy her clothes in New York.
She dislikes wearing frilly, fussy clothes for. a picture, is annoyed
at persons who are late for appointments, and she very much dislikes jokes
about Iowa, her home state, which she adores.
Pet economies? She buys three pairs of the same shade of stockings,
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and two pairs of identical gloves, so if one is ruined the remaining good one
can be worn with one from another pair. And so on and so on.
To keep fit she goes to a quiet resort between pictures to ride and
swim. Doesn't worry much about a diet. Eats what she likes, but when she is
loafing between pictures she often shuns solids for liquids one day a week.
Her favorite dish she labels a "Trifle." It's a dessert made from
sponge cake, custard, cherry wine and nuts. Also has a Russian salad you
might like to try. Chop a hard-boiled egg fine, mix it up with mayonnaise,
add a tablespoon full of chili sauce, and serve on hearts of lettuce.
Regarding beauty aids, she advises to be "kind" to the face. Her
method is to rest the pores by going without powder, using only lipstick and
mascara whenever possible.
Her favorite sports are riding, swimming, tennis and golf, and she
is mad about greyhound racing. Hollers and everything at 'em.
Is an avid reader and likes books about the soil. Favors "The Good
Earth," "As The Earth Turns" and "One Against the Earth." Also likes the mys-
tery novels of S. S. Van Dine.
Doesn't think much about marriage or domesticity. Just hopes it
doesn't catch up with her before she's reached the peak of her career. She
doesn't want to fall in love — honest!
Never used to care much about politics but has become vitally inter-
ested since the beginning of the New Deal.
Margaret Lindsay is five feet five inches tall, weighs 115 pounds,
has hazel eyes and dark brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner-First National Pictures, Inc., and
her current productions include: "Voltaire," "Captured," "The World Changes,"
"The House on 56th Street," "Lady Killer," "Bordertown, " "Devil Dogs of the
Air," "G Men," "Personal Maid's Secret," "Frisco Kid," "Dangerous," "The Law
In Her Hands," "Public Enemy's Wife," "Isle of Fury," "Green Light," "Slim,"
"Back In Circulation," "Gold Is Where You Find It."
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JOHN LITEL
It happened that at the age of twenty-six John Litel discovered he
was an actor playing in a company with Grace George in "Captain Brassbound's
Conversion," by George Bernard Shaw. He cannot recall how it happened, nor
can he recall any youthful ambition or desire to pursue an acting career. Ah,
Well — that's Life !
Now this same John Litel can rightfully claim a veteran's career be-
hind the footlights, with the promise of a brilliant future in pictures.
Born in Albany, Wisconsin, December 30, 1894, he attended Albany
High School, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
His banker father, James E. Litel, could find no youthful ambitions
in his offspring and John was allowed to drift for himself. This drifting
consisted of working in factories, in stores, and selling life insurance.
His stage career just happened! Litel has played in almost every
important stock company and city in the United States. To list them all
would be like a kaleidoscopic railroad time-table from coast to coast. A few
of the more noteworthy are: President Players, Washington, D.C. ; Forsyth Play-
ers, Atlanta, Ga. ; Orpheum Players, Kansas City, Mo. ; Princess Players, Des
Moines, la. ; Denham Players, Denver, Colo. ; Academy of Music, Halifax, N.S. ;
Sanger Players, New Orleans, La. ; Duffy Players, San Francisco, Cal. ; Morosco
Players, Los Angeles, Cal.
On New York's Broadway, Litel has appeared in many stage plays. A
few of the more recent are, in 1936, "Sweet Aloes," "Hell Freezes Over,"
"Life's Too Short." In 1935 "Ceiling Zero," "First Legion." 1933, "Lily
Turner. "
A Who's Who of the theatre would include the names of players Litel
has appeared with, a few being, Edward Everett Horton, Guy Kibbee, Pauline
107
Frederick, Ann Harding, Crystal Heme, Joan Blondell, Evelyn Laye, Nance
O'Neil, Helen Mencken and many others.
His entrance to pictures was brought about by a Warner Bros, talent
scout. Litel came to California on a visit to his mother and remained longer
than he had anticipated. He accepted a small part in the Warner Bros, pro-
duction, "Fugitive In The Sky." His excellent performance in "Midnight Court"
and "Marked Woman," gained him a contract.
Is married to a non-professional. Together they have traveled ex-
tensively. He is most domesticated. Likes to cook, and enjoys good food and
wines .
His favorite recreation is playing bridge, writing plays and stories,
and painting landscapes. For exercise, he plays golf. In the 70*s. Dislikes
egotistical people. Enjoys football, baseball and horse racing. Is very
proud of his Lion dog, "Simba."
Litel is five feet 11 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, has hazel eyes
and dark brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his recent ve-
hicles include: "Fugitive In the Sky," "Black Legion," "Marked Woman," "The
Life of Emile Zola," "They Won't Forget," "Back in Circulation," "Alcatraz
Island," "Missing Witnesses," "Evidence," "Gold Is Where You Find It."
r
108
ANITA LOUISE
Anita Louise is her real name, and she was born in New York City, on
January 9th, 1917, of mingled French, German and English ancestry. Both of
her parents were born in Alsace-Lorraine. She was educated at the Profes-
sional Children's School in New York, and the Greenwood School for Girls in
Hollywood.
Her first ambitions were to be an actress and to write music. She
is an accomplished musician, excellent at the piano and the harp, has a fine
singing voice, and is a talented dancer. Is an adept at several foreign lan-
guages.
She began her theatrical career at the age of seven and appeared in
numerous New York stage plays including "Peter Ibbetson," "Gloss of Youth,"
"The Greatest Thing in the World," and "The Marquise" with Billie Burke.
Her film career began when she was signed by a major studio. Had a
contract for a year without playing a role. The casting director declared
that she was too lovely and did not fit any of the roles that came along.
Then she was signed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and went to work in
"Madame Du Barry" with others following.
She is intensely fond of all of the arts, placing music first. Were
she to desert dramatics, it is likely that she would adopt music as her main
endeavor.
Is fond of all outdoor sports, and especially likes tennis, riding,
swimming and fencing. Likes to watch a good polo match, a football game, a
fast tennis match, and is occasionally persuaded to go to a prize fight.
Doesn't bother about a diet. Goes for thick steaks and likes roast
turkey. Is an expert cook and uses her mother's recipes.
Has no beauty secrets. Says plenty of soap and water do the trick as
far as she's concerned. Rises regularly each morning at eight unless she is
109
working on a picture — and then she rises earlier to be at the studio in time
for the shooting.
Likes pretty clothes — naturally — and prefers Hollywood fashions
and those from New York's 5th Avenue to anything from Paris. As to colors,
she is partial to yellow and blue.
She enjoys fiddling at needlepoint work and her home has evidences
of her ability.
She likes flowers. Saves money by fixing her own hair and nails,
then goes on a spree and squanders what she saves on buying cut flowers for
the home. Likes Briarcliff roses and li lies-of-the-valley .
Next to music, she likes books. Names "Little Women," "Anthony Ad-
verse," Zweig's "Marie Antoinette," and Stocking's "Carmen Ariza" as her fa-
vorites.
Drives a Chevrolet coupe, but does not own a yacht.
Her lone pet is a Scottie named "Wee Thistle."
Has no superstitions but has two good luck charms. One is a small
moose foot, the other a hat ornament made from the tuft of a gemser. In case
you don't know what a gemser is — and who does! — it's a member of the rein-
deer family living in the Alps. Collects rare coins. She also prizes a very
aged piano — age eighty. Also a 200-year-old violin.
She is five feet three and one-half inches tall, weighs 106 pounds,
has light blue eyes and light blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures Inc., and her current
productions include: "Madame Du Barry," "Firebird," "A Midsummer Night's
Dream," "Personal Maid's Secret," "The Story of Louis Pasteur," "Anthony Ad-
verse," "Brides Are Like That," "Green Light," "Call It a Day," "The Go Get-
ter," "That Certain Woman," "First Lady," "Tovarich."
110
BARTON Mac LANE
Barton MacLane was born in Columbia, South Carolina, December 25th,
1902. He is of Scotch-Irish descent.
Must have moved North at some time or other, as next we find him go-
ing to Nathaniel White Grammar School in Cromwell, Conn. Then Middletown High
School, Middletown, Conn., then Wesleyan University, Middletown, where he
joined the Chi Psi Fraternity.
In his school days he played football, basketball, and he is one of
those film heroes who ran 100 yards for a touchdown when he played on the
Wesleyan Varsity.
While in school he worked for the Standard Oil Company in the Code
and Cable Department, did farm labor, and practically everything that he could
fit in.
But all this time, it was his secret ambition to be an actor. Began
playing in stock in Atlanta, then Brooklyn, Newark, and Hartford.
Played in "The Trial of Mary Dugan," "Gods of Lightning," "Subway
Express," "Rendezvous," "The Yellow Jack," and others.
Eventually one of those ever-peering Warner scouts saw him and he was
given his first role as the heavy-handed villain in "Black Fury," supporting
Paul Muni. This continues to be his favorite screen role.
His favorites of the screen are Gary Cooper, Myrna Loy, Paul Muni,
Bette Davis and Dick Powell.
If he ever gave up dramatic work he would like to write. Wrote the
play "Rendezvous," in which he appeared.
Does not sketch or paint, and doesn't dance or sing, but plays the
guitar, violin and mandolin.
Has traveled in England, Mexico and South America. Was most inter-
ested in Buenos Aires. Not greatly interested in clothes and is completely
satisfied with the tailors in Hollywood.
Ill
Dislikes hypochondriacs, has no suppressed desires and no favorite
extravangances . His pet economy is trying to do something about his income
tax returns, but finally giving it up.
To keep fit he works on his ranch, a five-acre tract in the San Fer-
nando Valley. This ranch is his one hobby and he farms and everything on it.
Doesn't go in for any special diet, eats anything and plenty of it;
can cook and often does.
Ask him what he does to protect his good looks and he'll growl,
"Nothing! I'm a menace! So what!"
When it comes to outdoor sports, he only get excited about horseback
riding. And for something to watch, he follows rodeos all around the country.
Plays a mean game of bridge, and has the kind of a face which is good at poker.
Likes good books. Names as his favorites Charles Dickens' "Cricket
On The Hearth," and Thomas Hardy's "Far From the Madding Crowd."
Is not married and names as his best friends his father and his two
sisters who live with him. Is devoted to these sisters.
Has two Ford cars, but does not own a boat or beach house.
Is interested in government politics, but is not superstitious, and
has no good luck charm.
He is six feet one inch tall, weighs 198 pounds, has green eyes and
auburn hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his out-
standing pictures include: "Black Fury," "Go Into Your Dance," "G Men,"
"Stranded," "Page Miss Glory," "I Found Stella Parish," "Man of Iron," "Ceil-
ing Zero," "Bullets or Ballots," "God's Country and the Woman," "Smart
Blonde," "San Quentin," "The Prince and The Pauper," "Fly Away Baby," "Ever
Since Eve," "Adventurous Blonde," "Gold Is Where You Find It," "Blondes At
Work. "
112
MARY MAGUIRE
Mary Maguire was born Helene Terese Maguire way down in Melbourne,
Australia, on February 23, 1919. Changed her name to shorten it for profes-
sional reasons.
Was educated at the Academy of Mary Immaculate Convent, the Loreto
Convent in Australia and also tutored in German and French. During her
school days she played tennis, basketball, golf, and swam like everything
and rode horseback. Also says she danced and acted.
Her father, Michael Maguire, was not only an Australian football star
but also the welterweight champion boxer of Australia. It was her schoolday
ambition to be a dancer or an actress. Began at the age of 12 in a movie house,
then did a pantomime on the stage. Began her movie career playing ingenue
leads with an Australian motion picture company, and played opposite Charles
Farrell when he made a picture in the Antipodes (meaning Kangaroo Country) .
Thought she'd take a flier in Hollywood and was signed by a Warner
scout within a week after she arrived.
If she gave up screen work she would resume her career as a dancer.
Also interested in painting, photography, and music. Sketches a little and
plays the piano. She has a terrific pet aversion. It is layer cake with
pink icing. She saves money on shoes, and has no extravagances. To keep
fit she goes in for all sorts of outdoor sports. Goes in for riding, jump-
ing the hurdles on horses, swimming and golf. Likes to watch tennis matches
and prize fights.
Does not go in for any diet. Her favorite food is mostly fruit, and
a special pineapple (new Australian fruit which tastes like fruit salad) .
Also likes grilled chops and steaks.
Has no particular beauty secrets. Uses soap and water and sunshine.
Doesn't use rouge - only lipstick.
Her favorite books are J. B. Priestley's "Angel Pavement," and
"Good Companions." Also the books of Leonard Merrick. When it comes to pets
she has an Australian terrier named "Dock". Also a brace of horses, "Jet"
and "Jetter."
Likes all colors, has no favorite, except flowers, and that happens
to be the orchid. Collects sea shells and pearls. Her good luck charm is
a ruby and pearl ring, and a topaz cross, but she is not superstitious.
She is five feet tall, weighs 104 pounds, has dark brown eyes and
hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and has appeared
in "That Man's Here Again," "Confession," "Alcatraz Island," "Sergeant
Murphy. "
114
BILLY AND BOBBY MAUCH
Twins - Billy and Bobby Mauch (pronounced Mock) are twin boys born
July 6th, 1924, in Peoria, Illinois.
Billy, as an actor, seems to have the lead on Bobby, inasmuch as
he has had the principal screen roles. However, their parents and motion
picture directors consider them equally good as actors. Identical twins,
they cannot be told apart even by their mother unless they are differently
dressed. Bobby usually wears a ring so his mother can tell them apart but
sometimes the boys switch the ring just for a joke.
In each picture to date, Bobby has played one scene for Billy just
for luck. The audience never knew the difference, and in most cases the
director of the picture didn't know it.
The boys began their careers at the age of six appearing in local
entertainments in their home town. Their professional careers began when a
Peoria theatrical manager signed them to sing and dance — this led to stage
and radio engagements. They have been in radio programs for Lucky Strike,
the Beauty Box Review, March of Time, and Show Boat.
Motion picture debut came when a Warner scout saw Billy working in a
Broadway musical comedy, "Mr. Smith," and signed him to play the boy Anthony
in "Anthony Adverse." Billy made such a distinct success that he was put
under a long term contract, Bobby went along to Hollywood and was Billy's
"stand-in," sometimes actually playing the leading role when no one sus-
pected it. The twins appeared together for the first time in the Warner
picturization of Mark Twain's, "The Prince and the Pauper."
It was the twins' earliest ambition to be soldiers, fliers, or
sailors. But now they want to be G-Men. As a matter of fact, they now are
actually Junior G-Men. To go even further, the twins declare that if they
ever left the stage and screen they would insist upon getting jobs as G-Men.
115
Their favorite motion picture personalities are Kay Francis, Jean
Muir, Ian Hunter, Fredric March and Pat O'Brien.
Outside of acting, they can put on a good singing and dancing act.
They can play the piano, they can whistle like everything, and they can both
sketch a little.
They have never been abroad but if they get the chance they would
like to go to the Malay Jungles or Africa where people hunt lions.
They distinctly don't like spinach, and they aren't much interested
in clothes. They don't know much about pet economies, except they collect
bottles that they can sell. They are very extravagant when it comes to ice
cream. As to suppressed desires, Billy goes for butterscotch candy, and
Bobby hankers for chocolate peppermints.
As to favorite foods first come candy and ice cream. They say,
"We have to eat roast beef and so on. Turkey, is good too." They cannot
cook.
To protect their good looks, they say they use boxing gloves when
they box.
To keep fit they box, play baseball, football, tennis, and field
hockey. They yell their lungs off at baseball and football games.
Like to read boys' books and their favorite authors are Booth Tark-
ington, Mark Twain, Ralph Henry Barbour. They have no pets at the present
time, but they play a mean game of ping pong and collect stamps. They also
"trade things" such as knives and air guns.
The twins both agree that their favorite color is red. And as to
flowers, they like roses. They save their money under their parents' guid-
ance and have a definite financial program.
Neither of them has a good luck charm and they aren't a bit super-
stitious.
116
The twins each have blue eyes and brown hair. Their height and
weight are rapidly changing, but when last seen they were about four feet 10
inches tall.
They are under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., productions
including "Anthony Adverse," "The White Angel," "Penrod and Sam," "The Prince
and the Pauper," "Penrod and His Twin Brother."
117
FRANK McHUGH
Frank McHugh was born on May 23, 1899, in Homestead, Pa. He was
literally born into the theatre since his father and mother were actors. His
father, sister and two brothers are still actively identified with various
theatrical enterprises.
He began his career as a boy of nine in his family's theatrical com-
pany, and managed to go through grammar school and high school in Pittsburgh
between scenes.
It was his school day ambition to be a lawyer, but the stage inter-
rupted. Still thinks he would like to be a lawyer, and declares that if he
ever left theatricals he would get a job as a stage manager and study law on
the side until he could take his bar examinations.
With his father's company, the McHugh Stock Company, and with other
theatrical organizations he has played every State in the Union. And even
London in the successful Broadway play "Is Zat So" ; and also in "The Fall
Guy."
On Broadway he played in "Is Zat So" with James Gleason, in "Con-
flict" with Spencer Tracy, and in Ziegfeld's "Show Girl."
Got into motion pictures quite by accident. Met Frank Fay at the
Lambs' Club in New York, and Fay got him his first picture role in "Bright
Lights," starring Dorothy Mackaill. This was the beginning of the famous
Frank McHugh "laugh" on the screen.
His favorite stage role was in "Show Girl," and his favorite screen
role is that of Erwin in "Three Men On A Horse."
He names as his favorite actors and best friends Pat O'Brien, James
Cagney, Hugh Herbert, Allen Jenkins and George Brent.
Outside of acting he is interested in music. Can dance and sing and
plays the piano. Ask him the name of his favorite tailor and he'll shake his
head, and say, "It doesn't matter." Ask him what he does to protect his good
looks and he shakes his head and says, "Me?"
118
As to pet aversions he lists - women who talk too much, broad "A's,"
and four-flushers. He doesn't believe in driving an expensive automobile.
He has a suppressed desire to play a piano-accordion. His favorite extrava-
gance is buying toys for his children - Michael, Peter and Susan.
To keep fit he takes long walks and swims. Plays tennis, handball
and golf. His best golf score was 81. Likes to go to football games, base-
ball, tennis and prize fights. Plays ping pong and poker.
Doesn't know what the word diet means. Likes beef steak rare, roast
beef rare, and Sauerbraten. Can he cook? So - so.
His favorite books are Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer," "Huckleberry
Finn"; Aldous Huxley's "Eyeless in Gaza," and "The Big Money" by Dos Passos.
He is married to Mrs. Dorothy Spencer McHugh, a non-professional.
They have three children, Michael, Peter and Susan. He has a Scotch terrier
for the kids named "Mac." Named after him, he says.
His favorite color is blue and his favorite flower is the peony. He
likes to collect willow canes. Also collects hats. Drives a Ford car. Is
somewhat interested in governmental problems and politics.
Saves his money and has a definite financial program for the future.
His good luck charm is a gold horned-toad. You'll never catch him
tossing his hat on the bed because that, my friend, is very bad luck.
He has blue eyes, brown hair, is five feet 7 inches tall, and weighs
147 pounds.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. and among the great
number of pictures he has appeared in are: "Bright Lights," "42nd
Street," "One Way Passage," "Dawn Patrol," "Convention City," "Here Comes the
Navy," "Gold Diggers of 1935," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Bullets or Bal-
lots," "Stage Struck," "Three Men On a Horse," "Marry the Girl," "Ever Since
Eve," "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air," "Submarine D-l," "Larger Than Life," "Swing
Your Lady."
119
WAYNE MORRIS
Wayne Morris was born Bert De Wayne Morris, Jr., in Los Angeles,
California, February 17, 1914. Changed his name for brevity for his pro-
fessional career. He was educated in grammar schools in San Francisco, at
the Los Angeles High School, at Los Angeles Junior College, and the Pasadena
Community Playhouse School of the Theatre.
In college he played football, basketball and was an expert with the
fencing foils.
His theatrical career began during his attendance at the Pasadena
Community Playhouse School. Appeared in "Mr. Pickwick," "Saint Joan," "The
Trial of Mary Dugan," "Yellowjack" and other plays.
His screen career began shortly after a Warner scout saw him in
"Yellowjack." He was signed for a very small role in "China Clipper"
with Pat O'Brien, and after that things began to happen.
His present ambition is to be a successful screen star. If it
doesn't work out he thinks he would probably turn salesman.
Outside of acting, is interested in singing and drawing. Is pretty
good, he says, when it comes to singing in the shower bath. Putters on the
piano. Likes to sketch, and is pretty good at caricatures.
Names as his screen favorites Paul Muni, Charles Laughton, Edward G.
Robinson, Robert Donat, Bette Davis, W. C. Fields and Claudette Colbert.
Has done considerable travelling, and has been in Australia, Samoa,
Fiji and New Zealand. His suppressed desire is to travel all he can.
Is interested in clothes, declaring he doesn't think he'll ever go
for nudism. Declares the tailors of Hollywood suit him very well. As a
matter of fact, his favorite extravagance is clothes.
When it comes to pet aversions he names "cigarette bummers," people
who call him up on the telephone and say "Guess who?" and Hollywood exhibi-
tionists.
120
Doesn't go for any diet, and likes almost any kind of food but
doesn't care much for vegetables. He can cook, but doesn't do it unless he
has to.
When asked what he does to protect his good looks, he replies, "I beg
your pardon?"
To keep fit he plays tennis, swims, rides horseback. Likes to go
to football games and ice hockey matches.
It is rather interesting that he was never greatly interested in
prize fights until he played a fighter in "Kid Galahad." Prize fight experts
who trained him for his screen battles actually believe the youngster might
have a chance at the heavyweight crown if he went in for ring work seriously.
During the filming of the big match in the picture, he actually knocked out
William Haade at the end of the fight. His powerful right worried other
members of the cast, as nearly everyone got a sock from him during the action
of the picture. Eddie Robinson and Humphrey Bogart were considerably worried
and told Morris that he had better pull his punches when he socked at them or
it would be just too bad.
He reads popular novels and favors all the stories of Clarence
Budington Kelland. Also likes the humorous books by Thome Smith.
When it comes to pets he owns a police dog and hopes to have a
stable of horses some day.
Drives a DeSoto car, but doesn't own a boat. Doesn't own a beach
house or mountain cabin but hopes to sometime.
Isn't much of a church-goer but seldom misses the Easter Sunrise
Service in Los Angeles.
His favorite color is red, and when it comes to flowers he likes any
flower except orchids. Names as his chief hobby - keeping a scrapbook. He
also likes to collect suitcase stickers showing what hotels he has stopped at
in foreign cities and cities of the United States.
121
He doesn't employ a secretary and he has no business manager. But
he saves his money and has a definite financial program he follows.
Has a strange good luck charm. It is a Jewish prayer - and he
doesn't know exactly what it means - but he keeps it stuck in his make-up box.
Doesn't like it at all when three cigarettes are lit from one match.
Wayne Morris is six feet two inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, has
blue eyes and blonde hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his current
productions include "King of Hockey," "Kid Galahad," "The Kid Comes Back,"
"Submarine D-l."
122
PAUL MUNI
Paul Muni was born Muni Weisenfreud in Vienna on September 22nd,
1897, making him an Austrian. But as his family came to the United States
when he was very young he regards himself as a 100% American.
Was educated in the New York schools, but his schooling was often
interrupted by professional stage work from his eleventh year on. He is one
of a theatrical and musical family, his father and mother being actors, and
his two brothers musicians.
Since his early childhood, his ambition was to be a great figure on
the stage. His first opportunity came nhen he was traveling with his family.
They were about to open in a small town and needed an actor to play an old
man's part. No actor being available, they tried the boy out and he was kept
in that part from that time on. This was the first of many "old man" char-
acter roles he has played.
The stage play, "We Americans," brought him his first recognition in
the New York Theatre, although he had played for several seasons with the
Theatre Guild and other art theatres.
His present ambition is to be allowed to continue his career along
the lines he has laid out for himself. Never to be "typed" to one kind of
role. Never to be in a position where he must play a role to keep the home
fires burning. Has been known to turn down a part in a sure-fire "hit"
because a more interesting role in a play which seemed to have a lesser chance
for success appealed to him more.
He regards "Counsellor at Law" as his favorite stage play, "The
Story of Louis Pasteur" as his favorite picture, and "Seven Faces" as his
worst picture. For his role of "Louis Pasteur" he was given the Academy Award
for the finest performance in the year 1936.
Music is his great interest outside the theatre. Has studied it
since he was four years old and loves it.
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Is an exceedingly fine violinist and could undoubtedly make a
success on the concert stage should he ever give up acting — which he
emphatically will not. Also might like to manage prize fights.
He is mad about the music of Beethoven and Bach. For light modern
music he approves of Jerome Kern.
Prefers the stage to the screen. Says, "Contrary to common belief I
do not think the screen gives an actor more leisure or home life."
He prefers New York as a place to live, but states that he is
"getting used to Hollywood" and doesn't mind it any more. Buys his clothes
in New York, saying that his tailor knows exactly what he wants. Dresses in
good taste but wears slacks and old clothes around his farm outside of
Hollywood.
He is one actor who states openly that he dislikes applause,
"because no actor should come out of his role to take bows." Doesn't like
interruptions during the making of a picture or the rehearsal of a play.
Is a rabid make-up artist. When given a role he will spend sev-
eral weeks before a mirror with his grease paint and crepe hair until he
"looks" the role. Once shaved off some of his hair so a wig would fit and
waited no end for it to grow back again. Grew a real beard for his role as
"Louis Pasteur" and also for his characterization of Emile Zola.
Has no pet economies worth mentioning. Drives a modest car and
lives simply. Declares that he wants to live well — very well, indeed —
but that he does not need to be rich in order to do so.
To keep fit he takes long walks and indulges in general exercise.
He likes to box. Rides horseback into the hills and quiet places.
Has no diet to bother about. Is fond of sour cream dishes, par-
ticularly sour cream salad. His favorite dish, he says, is scrambled eggs.
Likes to watch prize fights, baseball games, soccer and football,
but mostly fights, goes to the races now and then. Seldom goes to Hollywood
parties, preferring to gather with a small group of intimate friends.
124
Does a lot of reading and prefers the classic authors to the moderns.
Names as his favorite authors, Gorky, Shakespeare and Tolstoy. Is inter-
ested, however, in the plays of Eugene O'Neill and the books of Upton Sinclair
and James Joyce.
Is very much in favor of domesticity and is happily married. Enjoys
making excursions to out-of-the-way places with his wife. Especially to inns
throughout New England, taking his violin, to rest and relax. Tours Europe
now and then and is particularly intrigued by Russia.
Emphatically disapproves of the star system in motion pictures and
does not want to be billed as a star. In making a contract he sticks to his
guns and adds that he simply will not make more than two pictures a year.
This assures him of a long season on the stage between motion picture work.
He is very much interested in government politics and is well posted
on what is going on in Europe.
Muni has black hair and black eyes, is five feet ten inches tall and
weighs 165 pounds.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. -First National Pictures and his
important pictures include: "The Valiant," "Scarface," for Howard Hughes, "I
Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang," "The World Changes," "Hi Nellie I," "Border-
town," "Black Fury," "Dr. Socrates," "The Story of Louis Pasteur," "The Good
Earth," (for M.G.M.) "The Life of Emile Zola."
125
ANNE NAGEL
Anne Nagel was dutifully christened Ann Dolan, shortly after she was
born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 30, 1915. Changed her name for
professional purposes, and that's that! Was educated at St. Mary's Convent in
Melrose, Mass., outside of Boston, and then Notre Dame Academy in Boston.
Studied nursing, but all the time she was wishing like everything that she
could be an actress.
It happened that she had a friend playing with the Shubert Players
of Boston, and she watched rehearsals and eventually talked her way into
playing "bits." Played small roles in "Sons O'Guns," "Countess Maritza," and
the "Desert Song."
Got thinking about Hollywood and that motion picture business, so
she sprang on a train with her father and went to the coast. Had tests and
Henry King, the Director, signed her for her first small role in "I Loved
You Wednesday. "
If she gave up the screen she would complete her nursing studies
begun at Notre Dame and become a registered nurse.
Outside of the Drahmah she is interested in music. Plays the piano
and is also something of a dancer, specializing in tap and ballroom dancing.
Her screen favorites are Leslie Howard, Herbert Marshall, Claudette
Colbert and Kay Francis.
When it comes to pet aversions she despises alarm clocks and simply
shudders when she is on a train and it goes through a tunnel. Has a sup-
pressed desire to be a jockey and ride in a horse-race, and her favorite
extravagances are spending money on shoes and stockings.
To keep fit she swims, dances and plays volley ball. Also gets nine
hours of sleep every night when possible. Won't have anything to do with a
diet, and goes in for all sorts of things including spaghetti and exotic
Chinese dishes.
126
Likes to watch horse-races and football games, but doesn't care much
for prize fights. Plays a mean game of ping pong and loves to tinker with
crossword puzzles.
Her favorite books are "The Magnificent Obsession," "Green Light,"
"We Who Are About to Die," "Asylum," and Hemingway's "Grandsons." Has a pet.
A ferocious toy Boston Bull named "Rex." Also a Ford car. Her favorite
color is blue and when sniffing at flowers is to be done she chooses
gardenias.
Says she isn't superstitious except for adding an "E" to her name
Ann, the better to conform with numerology.
She is five feet 6 inches tall, weighs 112 pounds, has blue eyes and
reddish brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has recently
appeared in "China Clipper," "King of Hockey," "The Footloose Heiress," "The
Devil's Saddle Legion," "Adventurous Blonde."
127
PAT O'BRIEN
Pat O'Brien was born William Patrick O'Brien on November 11th, 1899,
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His interest in the theatre was aroused at the age
of five when he played the role of a lamb in a church play at Christmas time.
As he grew older he was torn between two ambitions — to be a magician, or
join a Wild West show.
Upon graduating from Milwaukee High School, he matriculated at
Marquette University. Planned to become a criminal lawyer, but college
theatricals and athletics claimed much of his time. Captained the Marquette
varsity in his senior year and ran 67 yards through the Notre Dame team for
a winning score as the finale of his college career.
His professional career began almost by accident. Was playing the
title role in "Foul Ball Kelly," the Masquer's campus show, when Jimmy
Gleason happened to drop in. Was impressed. Told Pat to look him up after
graduation. Result — Pat's stage career began in a travelling stock com-
pany. He made his professional debut in "Way Down East." Had the role of
the funny fellow who scampers around with a butterfly net.
Made his first Broadway appearance in "A Man's Man," in which he was
featured with Josephine Hutchinson. Was thrilled to play with her on the
screen in ""Oil For the Lamps of China" and also in "I Married a Doctor."
Played with Helen Hayes in "Coquette," and the lead in "The Front Page"
on tour.
Made his screen debut in "The Front Page" which was his favorite
picture until he played in "Oil For the Lamps of China." "That was a sweet-
heart," he will tell you. Would like to play Robert Emmett. Prefers the
screen to the stage, saying, "You eat more regularly."
His favorites of the screen are James Cagney, Walter Huston, Spencer
Tracy, Bette Davis and Josephine Hutchinson. Of the stage he likes Walter
Huston, Helen Hayes, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Outside of acting he is
128
interested in literature and music — Irish literature and Irish music.
George M. Cohan is his favorite playwright and composer.
Dresses well, but is not a Beau Brummel. Dislikes wearing evening
clothes unless absolutely necessary. Likes to buy his clothes in New York
— or Hollywood. Good tailors in both places, says Pat.
Has a few pet aversions. Alibis, world premieres of pictures in
Hollywood, gents known as four-flushers — and, yes, evening clothes. No pet
economies. Says he saves time and that's about all. But he has been seen
banking most of his weekly pay checks.
Doesn't favor any kind of a diet. Likes ham and eggs. Goes strong
for corned beef and cabbage. Enjoys thick steaks. Likes good pie, and rice
pudding with raisins.
Doesn't do anything in particular to keep fit. Plays handball now
and then. Swims in his pool, boxes, punches the bag, and plays golf.
Is a boxing enthusiast and Tuesday and Friday nights are religiously
set aside for the Hollywood fights. Also goes miles to see a good football
game. Baseball okay, too. Likes fast ice hockey — N. Y. Madison Square
Garden brand. Goes to the horse races and often wins and often loses.
He likes the books of 0. Henry, Ernest Hemingway and C. E. Montague.
Has an amazing collection of Irish literature. Lots of first editions and
rare old bindings of these. Has first editions of everything by James
Stevens — autographed. Is a rabid Stevens fan and fell completely under
this Irish poet's spell when they met in Hollywood.
He thinks domesticity is grand. Is married to Eloise Taylor, for-
merly of the stage. Met her when he was playing leading role on tour in
"Broadway" and she joined the company. Was three years persuading her to
say "yes." It happened when he clicked in the movies. Claims she is a fine
actress and has forgotten more about acting than most Hollywood actresses
129
know. Whenever they pass through Chicago together they visit the stage door
of a theatre there where they first met. Pat has set her up in the gown busi-
ness in Hollywood and claims business is so good he can retire any minute.
But he won't. Says he would go crazy with nothing to do.
They have one child, Mavourneen O'Brien, born May 17th, 1934. Pat
will hasten to tell you that Mavourneen means "sweetheart" in Gaelic. If you
ask him if he favors a screen career for his daughter when the time comes he
will say, "Why not?" then add with a grin, "Wouldn't that name look swell
in lights — Mavourneen O'Brien?" Then before you know it he will show you
a locket — Mavourneen' s picture in one side, his wife's in the other.
The O'Briens live in a modest colonial house in the Brentwood
section of Los Angeles. His best friends are the Cagneys, the Frank McHughs,
the Spencer Tracys, and the Allen Jenkins. "We," he says, "are the mugs of
Hollywood. "
He is the proud possessor of three Scotties named Bunty, Annie
Laurie and Lorna Doone. Has a car but hasn't gone for a yacht.
He is five feet eleven inches tall, weighs 175 pounds, has brown
hair, amazing blue eyes, and a ruddy complexion.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., his string of
productions to date being: "The Front Page," "Bureau of Missing Persons,"
"The College Coach," "I Got Your Number," "The Personality Kid," "Gambling
Lady," "20 Million Sweethearts," "Here Comes the Navy," "Flirtation Walk,"
"Devil Dogs of the Air," "In Caliente," "Oil for the Lamps of China," "The
Irish in Us," "Stars Over Broadway," "Ceiling Zero," "I Married a Doctor."
"Public Enemy's Wife," "China Clipper," "The Great O'Malley," "San Quentin,"
"Slim," "Back in Circulation," "Submarine D-l." "Women Are Like That."
HUGH 0 ' CONNELL
Hugh O'Connell was orphaned early in New York City, where he was
born August 4, 1898, and was packed off to the home of a farmer near Green
Bay, Wisconsin. Literally he was "farmed out."
By the time he was 16 he was standing on his own feet, had paid
with hard-earned dollars for a business course 'at the Appleton (Wisconsin)
Business College. Wanted to become a telegraph operator. His nearest
approach was as messenger and general chore boy around the depot of the
Northwestern Railroad.
The regular operator undertook to add to Hugh's business college
training by teaching him telegraphy in return for which Hugh would substi-
tute for him one day a week.
It worked well enough, too, for only a few messages a day came over
the wire. One message a day, however, came from Chicago and it was tapped
out like bullets from a machine gun. It was the daily weather report.
Farmers would gather to read it on the bulletin board. It was of paramount
importance to them.
So fast did it come in over the wire that Hugh got it in garbled
fashion. So he stuck his nose out the door, scented the local weather, and
made up a report to fit those conditions. Some days he would report clear
weather, then the crops would be rained out.
Somehow the stage attracted him. He doesn't know to this day why.
But presently he quit making up weather reports and rode to Chicago on a pass.
Got a theatrical job right away. As usher at a theatre where the Cal Stewart
Stock Company was playing. When the company went on the road, Hugh went
with it.
He played in stock companies on one-night stands throughout the
Northwest, sometimes with such veterans as Guy Kibbee and worked his way
clear up through Saskatchewan province and into Alaska, where he played with
131
a Juneau repertoire troupe. Returning finally to the States, he docked at
San Francisco with only a quarter left in his jeans. Figuring he might as
well be broke, he tossed that to a porter to carry his bags to a hotel.
His luck was in. He got a job with the famous Alcazar Stock. As
leading comedian with that company, he stayed several years in San Francisco,
finally going to New York.
Made his Broadway debut in "Twin Beds" and followed that with a
succession of comedies, finally scoring heavily as the nut-cracking movie
director in "Once In A Lifetime." Eventually he was signed by Warner Bros,
and became one of that studio's featured comedians.
He is married, has one son, and because of his confused childhood
gives unostentatiously and liberally to charities for orphans.
His pictures at Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., include: "Ready,
Willing and Able," "Footloose Heiress," "That Certain Woman," "The Perfect
Specimen," "She Loved a Fireman," "Accidents Will Happen."
132
GORDON OLIVER
Gordon Oliver is his real name and he was born in Los Angeles,
April 27, 1910. Attended Los Angeles High School, Oregon State University,
and University of Southern California.
Played football in college and was a member of the Delta Upsilon
Fraternity. But all of the time it was his ambition to be an actor.
Was given his first opportunity on the Broadway stage by William
Keighley, now a Director at the Warner Studio. Played with such stars as
Pauline Frederick, Alice Brady, Ian Keith, James Bell, Douglas Montgomery,
and others.
Was given his first movie test by Sam Sax, Chief of the Warner Short
Subject Studio in Brooklyn, New York.
Outside of acting, is most interested in writing, but his ambition
is to be a very, very good actor.
Names as his favorites Paul Muni, Greta Garbo, and Spencer Tracy.
Has traveled in Mexico and Canada and would like to visit the
South Seas.
Becomes infuriated over people who talk in theatres, but has no pet
economies nor suppressed desires. His favorite extravagances are for clothes
and good food.
To keep fit he works out in a gymnasium, swims, and plays squash;
also tennis, and badminton. Likes to go to football games, hockey matches,
and prize fights. Has no diet, but his favorite dishes are cold potato soup
and beefsteak.
His favorite books are "Amook" by Stefan Zweig, "The Moon and Six-
pence" by Somerset Maugham, and "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway.
When it comes to pets, he has two mongrel dogs called Sam and
Charlie.
:
:
■
■
133
Outside of his theatrical work, has worked on a ranch, as a stock
broker, and as an advertising salesman.
Likes to play ping pong, and squash, and collects no end of good
phonograph records. In fact, he lists as his particular hobby — good music.
Is not superstitious, but yells bloody murder when anybody whistles
in his dressing room.
He is six feet 2 inches tall, weighs 165 pounds, has hazel eyes and
brown hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his recent
productions include "Draegerman Courage," "Fugitive in the Air," "Once a
Doctor," "San Quentin," "White Bondage," "The Case of the Stuttering Bishop,"
"Fly Away Baby," "Alcatraz Island," "Expensive Husbands," "Women Are Like
That. "
134
HENRY O'NEILL
Henry O'Neill is his real name and he was born in Orange, New
Jersey, on August 10, 1891. Was educated in grammar school, high school, and
spent one year in college. Says he hasn't any ancestors, except that his
mother was born in the house General Washington made his headquarters during
the Revolutionary War, in Maplewobd, New Jersey.
Was interested in dramatics during his college days, and later
established his own company which he directed and played in. Then played in
stock in Orange, N. J.
Played in no end of successful plays on Broadway, including appear-
ances with the Irish Players, the Theatre Guild, and the Provincetown
Players. Has appearad in support of probably more famous stars than any
other actor in Hollywood.
His favorite stage role was that of "Paddy," in "The Hairy Ape," by
Eugene O'Neill.
It is his ambition to direct and produce, preferably for the stage.
Outside of dramatic work he is interested in building construction.
His favorites of the screen are John and Lionel Barrymore, Spencer
Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and Aline MacMahon.
Outside of the drama, he is interested in sculpture and music
because of the rhythm of these arts.
Would like to live on some semi-tropical island such as Bermuda,
but preferably a less civilized place.
Is interested in clothes, something of a dandy, and declares that
New York tailors are the world's best.
He names as his pet aversions HAMS (male and female), loud talkers,
and all sorts of salesmen.
To keep fit he plays lots of golf, and takes long hikes. Likes to
watch horse-races, polo and boxing matches.
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His favorite books are "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," and "The Story
of San Michele."
He is five feet ten inches tall, weighs 165 pounds, has gray eyes,
and gray-brown hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has appeared
in "Anthony Adverse," "The Golden Arrow," "The White Angel," "Green Light,"
"Black Legion," "The Great O'Malley," "Marked Woman," "The Life of Emile
Zola," "The Singing Marine," "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air," "First Lady," "The
Great Garrick," "Submarine D-l."
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136
LINDA PERRY
Linda Perry was born Ann Tobin in Denver on December 18, 1914.
Moved to California and went to Arlington Heights School, Los
Angeles High School, and Los Angeles Junior College. Went in for tennis,
swimming and horseback riding. Belonged to the College Dramatic Society, Cap
and Bells, and played in such school dramatic plays as "Bill of Divorcement,"
■Once in a Lifetime," "Clarence," "Whistling in the Dark," "Outward Bound."
It was when she appeared in one of these school plays that she was
seen by a Warner scout and signed for her first role in "Two Against the
World."
It is her ambition now to be a great dramatic actress, but if that
doesn't work out she thinks she'd make good on the radio.
Lists as her favorite stars Helen Hayes, Marion Davies, Leslie
Howard, Lionel Barrymore and Paul Muni.
Is interested in singing and dancing, and can rap off a good tune on
the piano.
She dislikes slow drivers who hog the middle lane, garlic, ice-box
doors that won't close, and sales girls who call her "honey," and "dearie."
Pet economy? She eats all of the lettuce that comes with the salad,
and saves all sorts of coupons. Has a suppressed desire to ride on top of a
hook-and-ladder truck, and her favorite extravagance is calling friends
"long distance."
To keep fit she goes horseback riding, and takes long hikes with her
dogs, a brace of police dogs. Has a canary named "Tito," which she leaves
at home.
Does not go in for diet, but favors turkey, onions, spinach, avo-
cados and strawberry shortcake.
To protect her good looks? "Eat, sleep, and be merry," she says.
Likes to watch tennis matches, polo matches, but prize fights — No!
137
Likes the works of Eugene O'Neill, Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities,"
and Lloyd Douglas's "Green Light," and "Magnificent Obsession."
She has a beach house, her favorite color is blue, and she will
accept a corsage of violets, thank you!
Her hobbies? Collects stamps, tries to teach her dogs tricks, and
studies voices. Likes to play Anagrams, Bridge and Ping Pong.
She is five feet four inches tall, weighs 112 pounds, has blue eyes
and brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has appeared
in "Two Against the World," "Sing Me a Love Song," "Land Beyond the Law,"
"They Won't Forget," "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air," "The Great Garrick."
138
DICK POWELL
Dick Powell — his full-dress name being Richard E. Powell — was
born in Mount View, Arkansas, on November 14th, 1904. Was born a country
boy, nine miles from a railroad, and was six years old when he saw his first
street car. Wondered what had become of the horses. First time he remembers
singing was when an old railroad engineer taught him "Casey Jones." Couldn't
stop him from singing after that.
Rode to school on the back of an old horse behind his brother, then
went to high school, and finally to Little Rock College for one year. At
this time grew more interested in singing and learned to play the saxophone,
cornet and clarinet. Liked singing best and looked forward to the time
when he'd sing in opera. Fancied the role of the philandering Duke of Mantua
in "Rigoletto."
Organized an orchestra and played for dances around Little Rock.
Sang in a church choir for sixty dollars a month. Also for weddings and
funerals. Clerked in a grocery store, "jerked" sodas, tested gas meters,
collected money out of pay station telephone booths. But all the time he
kept up his music and his orchestra.
His career really began when a visiting orchestra took him on as a
"singing and playing" member. The orchestra opened the new Hotel Louisville,
Louisville, Kentucky, Following summer the orchestra toured the neighboring
states. Got an offer to join an orchestra in Indianapolis. Had to be able
to play the banjo, so he pawned some possessions, bought a banjo, and learned
to play it just in time.
Then he received an offer to act as master of ceremonies at a
theatre in Pittsburgh. Stayed there for three and a half years. In the
summer of 1932 a scout from Warner Brothers saw him. A screen test. A movie
offer. A film debut in "Blessed Event."
139
He considers "42nd Street" and "Shipmates Forever" his favorite
pictures. But sometimes he worries. Thinks he ought to stop singing on the
screen now and then and play a really dramatic role. Afraid the theatre-
goers will grow tired of him as a singer. Doesn't look like it yet. Gets
around 8,000 fan letters a week. Is one of the most popular young men in
Hollywood and one of the most ambitious.
His favorites of the screen are Bing Crosby, Wallace Beery, Pat
O'Brien, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell, and James Cagney. His favorites of the
stage — and of radio — are Ed Wynn, Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. Likes the
stage and screen equally.
If he left the screen, or maste r-of-ceremonying — he might go in
for flying. Crazy about planes.
Outside of his film work is most interested in music. Plays every
instrument ever made except the piano and violin, and can play the piano a
little. Can't play the bagpipes.
Kid Cupid twanged an arrow at him on the motion picture set when he
was co-starred with Joan Blondell in numerous musical pictures. The rumors
flew. The marriage date a secret. Then Dick and Joan booked passage on the
S.S. Santa Paula and were married September 19, 1936, on the sailing day.
The honeymoon cruise took them down the coast, through the Canal with stop-
overs, and finally New York, where a Harbor welcome terrified and amazed them.
Then a fine new home in Beverly Hills to live happily ever after in.
Prefers America as a place to live better than any other country,
and the State of California is winning him over. But he likes to buy his
clothes in New York.
Has no pet eocnomies. Lives well but conservatively, and puts some-
thing aside for that rainy day. "But," he says, "I haven't been rained on yet."
No pet aversions. Except people who do not like music.
Does nothing out of the ordinary to keep fit. Works hard, plays a
little, and gets all the sleep he can. Favors no form of diet. Favorite
140
dish is — ham and eggs. Admits he is not a good cook and has no craving
to be one.
Likes to play golf, go swimming and horseback riding. Likes to
watch football games. Admits he is a bridge fiend — something of a "champ"
in an amateur way.
Has no favorite books or authors, but reads most of the new popular
novels. Likes detective stories.
His greatest hobby is music — and his huge collection of musical
instruments. (No bagpipes.) Enjoys making home-made movies, and is a
"still" camera fiend. Takes pictures all of the time. Sneaks up on people
with his quick action camera. It's a snap! Took movies in color of his
honeymoon cruise. Crazy about flying and hopes to own his own plane soon.
Enjoys motoring. Hasn't got a yacht, but doesn't worry about it. Is a very
popular radio entertainer.
He is six feet tall, weighs 172 pounds, has blue eyes and auburn
hair.
He is under contract to Warner Brothers-First National Pictures,
Inc., and his current productions include: "Blessed Event," "The King's
Vacation," "42nd Street," "The College Coach," "Gold Diggers of 1934,"
"Convention City," "20 Million Sweethearts," "Dames," "Happiness Ahead,"
"Flirtation Walk," "Gold Diggers of 1935," "A Midsummer Night's Dream,"
"Broadway Gondolier," "Page Miss Glory," "Shipmates Forever," "Colleen,"
"Hearts Divided," "Stage Struck," "Gold Diggers of 1937," "The Singing
Marine," "Varsity Show," "Hollywood Hotel."
141
DICK PURCELL
Dick Purcell, baptized Richard Gerald Purcell, was born in Green-
wich, Connecticut, on August 6, 1908.
Was educated at St. John's School in New York, All Hallows School
and one year at Fordham College. Played basketball and baseball, and chalked
up the New York City record in swimming 50 yards in 24-2/5 seconds.
His yen for theatricals cropped up during his school days when he
played his first role in a college version of "It Pays To Advertise."
It was his school day ambition to become a lawyer, but it seems he
had a girl friend in a vaudeville act, her male partner became ill, and he
stepped into the part.
That was the beginning, and following that he played on Broadway in
■The Milky Way," "Sailor Beware," "Men In White," and "Paths of Glory." Also
played in stock in Cleveland, Buffalo and Toronto.
It was during his appearance in "Paths of Glory" that a Warner scout
saw him and a test was made, and off to Hollywood he went, his first picture
being "Ceiling Zero."
Names as his favorites of the screen James Cagney, Joan Blondell,
Greta Garbo, Irene Dunne, Pat O'Brien.
Outside of acting, he is interested in salesmanship and music,
hasn't sold anything but himself, and the music part of it is taken care of
by his violin playing.
Has traveled in Mexico and Canada, and enthuses about Mexico City,
but likes to buy his clothes in New York.
Simply cannot stand people who talk in theatres, fast drivers, and
that well-known dish called "tripe."
Declares his suppressed desires are "women." As a pet economy he
spends little on clothes, but shoots the works on good food. Likes turtle
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soup, beef-steaks, all sorts of vegetables including spinach — can cook and
sometimes does. Doesn't monkey around with a diet, but avoids starches.
To keep fit he swims. Also plays baseball and basketball and in-
doors he plays bridge, ping pong, poker, chess and checkers. Likes to go to
football games and prize fights.
Lists as his favorite books, Humphrey Cobb's "Paths of Glory,"
Remarque's "All Quiet on the Western Front," Deeping's "Sorrell and Son," and
Lawson's "Frenzied Finance."
Has a Scottie named "Speck," his favorite color is blue, and when he
buys flowers they are usually roses.
Before his first stage job, about the age of 20, he was a runner in
Wall Street, a magazine salesman, chore boy in a print shop, and a tutor.
Lists as his hobby amateur photography, and doesn't collect any
knick-knacks, such as jade elephants or statues of Dante.
Is a member of Phi Alpha Sigma Fraternity, and also belongs to the
Lambs Club in New York.
Is five feet 11 inches tall, weighs 165 pounds, has blue eyes and
brown hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his current
pictures include: "Ceiling Zero," "Brides Are Like That," "Bullets or
Ballots," "King of Hockey," "Public Wedding," "Alcatraz Island," "Missing
Witnesses," "Evidence," "Accidents Will Happen," "Highway Pirates."
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CLAUDE RAINS
Claude Rains is his real name and he was born in London on November
10, 1890. At an early age was put in a private school, and when he reached
the ripe old age of ten, he played hookey and went down to a theatre in
London where he became a page boy in the day-time and a call boy at night.
Fooled his parents for three months and finally confessed that he had been
working in the theatre all of that time. Too late for them to do anything
about it.
Immediately became enthralled with the life backstage, and rode
around London on tops of busses until he learned King Richard II by heart.
It still remains his favorite play. Was worried over his difficulty at this
time in pronouncing the letter "R" and was sure he could never be an actor
until he could pronounce this letter properly. After 18 months practice, he
could say "Oysters are in season," and everything with an "R" in it without
losing a spangle.
All this time he was never without a dictionary and memorized the
pronunciation and meaning of about 20 words a day, thus building his
vocabulary.
From call boy he became a prompter, a business manager, a stage
manager, and finally an actor in small parts. Played in repertory in England
and Australia in plays of famous authors including Bernard Shaw, Sir James
Barrie and others.
Came to America at the outbreak of the World War and was offered a
job as stage manager with the Shuberts. Suddenly decided to return to Eng-
land and enlist in the Army. This turned out to be a Scotch Highland Regi-
ment, in which he wore kilts, naturally, and was eventually transferred to
a London regiment. Served in France for over a year and was gassed and
wounded at the Battle of Vimy-Ridge ; and was sent to England to convalesce.
After his recovery, he decided that he liked army life so well that
he would re-enlist and make it his life job. Was about to send in an appli-
cation when he passed by a London theatre, met an old friend who offered him a
role in a new play. The answer was, he accepted and within a few years became
one of the most prominent actors on the English stage.
Subsequently, came to America and appeared in a number of Theatre
Guild plays, notably, "The Moon in the Yellow River," "They Shall Not Die,"
"Volpone," "Napoleon's Barber."
By this time, Hollywood was beginning to sit up and take notice.
As the saying goes, "Hollywood beckoned." Rains refused offers until he was
approached to play the title role in "The Invisible Man." He was intrigued.
Felt that this would be a grand experiment because the part depended entirely
upon his voice, as the character is never seen. Scored heavily in this 'in-
visible* role and his success was assured. Then came important screen roles
in "Crime Without Passion," "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head," "The Mystery of
Edwin Drood," "The Clairvoyant," "The Last Outpost," with even more impor-
tant parts in the offing.
His favorite stage role is in the play, "They Shall Not Die," his
favorite screen role is that of the fighting little district attorney, Andy
Griffin, in Mervyn LeRoy's, "They Won't Forget."
It is his present ambition to combine his acting career with country
life. If he ever gave up dramatics, he would endeavor to make his farm in
Pennsylvania pay.
Names as his favorite extravagances his farm in Cheyney, Pennsyl-
vania. The house and farm buildings are the oldest in architecture in the
State, dating back before the American Revolution. Will talk about his
country home for hours at a time, and his chief hobby at the present is his
endeavor to discover a remedy to kill Japanese beetles which have infested
his acreage. Recently mixed a most peculiar chemical formula of his own
9lCT
145
which he found most successful — greatly to his surprise — in exterminating
these acrobatic insects.
Getting back to the entertainment world for a few seconds, his
favorites of the screen are Myrna Loy, Miriam Hopkins, Bette Davis and
Charles Laughton. Of the stage, his favorites are Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fon-
tanne and Helen Westley, the latter being one of his best friends.
Is not very much interested in any arts outside of acting, has
never written for publication, does not sketch or paint, nor play any musical
instruments. As accomplishments, he lists plowing, farm work and physical
labor.
Has traveled widely, and outside of England and America, he has been
in France, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Australia. Is most interested in Ire-
land because of its lush greens and good earth (here's the farmer influence
cropping up again). Is not very much interested in clothes, and would not be
called a dandy, but would like to be able to buy his clothes in London.
His chief hate is the radio. Will not have one in the house. Also
dislikes insincerity in any one, artificial or ostentatious show, or exhi-
bitionism. Cannot stand ego in anyone but himself.
Would like to annihilate all architects who put buildings in the
wrong settings. Loves simple things, and this goes for his home and his
surroundings wherever he is.
To keep fit? Manual labor on that farm! Doesn't go in for much of
a diet, but has nothing but fruit juice for breakfast and nothing but green
salads for lunch. For a gastronomic orgy he goes in for short ribs of beef
with brown gravy and all of the trimmings. He cannot cook, but says,
"Who cares?"
Is extremely fond of horseback riding, and his favorite sport is to
watch a horse-race. Snaps his fingers at prize fights. Is somewhat of a
demon at the other end of a ping pong table.
146
Lists as his favorite books Horticultural Encyclopedia (you might
know that), the Bible, Tolstoy's "War and Peace," and "Vanity Fair," which he
read during those bus-riding days in London with his dictionary, and which
still remains his favorite novel.
When it comes to pets, he goes in for Irish setters. Has three at
the present, Patience, Toby and Tim, and will grin and tell you that more
are on the way. Doesn't own a boat, a beach house or a mountain cabin in
California. Drives a Ford car.
Is only interested in governmental problems and politics when some-
thing pops up that touches his pocketbook, or his farm.
Saves his money and has a definite financial program.
Doesn't carry any good luck charm. Will never walk under a ladder,
but declares that seeing a cross-eyed woman is good luck, and in putting on
his socks inside out is also good luck.
Is five feet 6 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, has brown eyes and
brown hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his most
recent productions have been "Anthony Adverse," "Hearts Divided," "Stolen
Holiday," "They Won't Forget," "The Prince and the Pauper," "Gold Is Where
You Find It," and "The Adventures of Robin Hood."
147
MARCIA RALSTON
Marcia Ralston was born in Sydney, Australia, September 19, 1909.
Her original first name was Mascotte, a name she prefers to Marcia, but an
agent advised her to change it because of the existence of Mascot Productions
in Hollywood.
Her father, John Ralston, was a musical comedy star in Australia and
her mother was a dancer. Her parents didn't care for the idea of their daugh-
ter being an actress so they trotted her off to a convent. But when she was
15, and during the Christmas holidays when her parents were in China, she left
the convent and got a job as a chorus girl with the J. C. Williamson produc-
tions. Later became an understudy to the leading lady and from there she
moved in the top spots in musical comedy .
Besides musical comedy she appeared in such plays as "Nothing But
Lies," "The Ghost Train," and Galsworthy's play "Escape." Also played in
stock in Australia; and in vaudeville she was the latter part of the ballroom
dancing team of "Peppine and Mascotte."
Matrimony robbed the Land of the Kangaroo of this budding star. Phil
Harris, the orchestra leader now featured with Jack Benny on the radio, was
in the Antipodes with his band. He met Miss Ralston, fell in love with her,
married her, and brought her back to America with him.
She immediately became an American citizen. Eventually convinced her
husband that she should dance with his orchestra. It was then that Warner
talent scouts saw her and signed her to a long-term contract, her film debut
being as the sultry, seductive actress in "Call It a Day."
In her school days it was her ambition to be a champion swimmer and
diver. She also played a mean game of tennis and tossed a swift basketball.
It is her present ambition to be a very fine dramatic actress. While
to date she has appeared mostly in the role of a temperamental actress in her
148
pictures, she has a fine flair for comedy. Also, being able to dance and sing
she is a likely candidate for musical comedy pictures.
Her favorites of the screen are Clark Gable, Norma Shearer, Ian Hun-
ter, Bette Davis and Hugh Herbert. Always worries when she is cast in a pic-
ture with Hugh Herbert, because his humorous antics break her up and almost
make her forget her lines.
Her pet of pet aversions is the gentleman in the front seat who goes
in for too fast driving. It is her suppressed desire to have every situation
well in hand, in other words, perfect poise.
When it comes to extravagances, she goes in for furs — declaring,
"The more the merrier."
She believes that dancing is the best exercise one can go in for to
keep fit, but at the same time she plays tennis, golf and is a good swimmer.
Likes to go to prize fights, tennis and polo matches. Also likes
ping pong.
Doesn't go in for any kind of diet. Lists as her favorite foods,
Irish stew, green vegetables and mashed potatoes. Declares she can't cook,
but doesn't let it worry her.
Is an inveterate reader and declares, "A book must be pretty bad be-
fore I won't read it. Read everything I get my hand on." Is especially keen
on mystery stories.
Has two pets. Crinkle, a white cat; and Bings, a Boston Bull.
Drives a Buick and a Ford.
Her favorite color is blue, and when you send her flowers be sure
they are daffodils.
Ask her if she is interested in governmental problems or politics
and the answer is "No, they should know what they are doing."
Her chief hobby is photography. She uses a Rolliflex camera, devel-
ops and prints her own pictures, and does her own enlarging. Has a dark room
149
in her Hollywood home and when she cannot be found in any other part of the
house, look in the dark room and there she is.
She saves her money, has a definite financial program, but does not
have a business manager. Takes care of everything like this herself.
She has no good luck charm, and is not one bit superstitious.
She is five feet 4 inches tall, weighs 114 pounds, has blue eyes and
dark brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her cur-
rent productions include: "Call It a Day," "The Singing Marine," "Fly Away
Baby," "Ever Since Eve," "West of Shanghai," "Missing Witnesses," "Sh! the
Octopus . "
BASIL RATHBONE
Basil Rathbone, lean, sardonic Englishman of stage and screen, is of
English descent. His parents, Edgar and Barbara Rathbone, had lived long
years in South Africa, and his birthplace was Johannesburg, June 13, 1892.
Here, Rathbone spent his boyhood, being sent home, like the son of
a true colonial, to attend public school. The term, incidentally, does not
mean in England what it does in America. For in England the public school is
the equivalent of the American private school. Rathbone' s school was Repton.
From earliest youth, he was ambitious to go upon the stage, and says
now, that undoubtedly he was quite a prig about it, that he was "hamming'' all
the time.
Neither his parents, nor a brother or a sister, were interested in
the stage. Except for a cousin, Sir Frank Benson, who founded the annual
Stratf ord-on-Avon Shakespearean Festival, the stage was looked down upon by
his clansmen. They were conservatives. An uncle, William Rathbone, was an
M.P. (Member of Parliament). "A slave," Basil succinctly describes him.
His mother traced direct descent from King Henry IV.
Rathbone, with an Englishman's fondness for sports, swam, rode horse-
back, played tennis, golf and football. Already a tall handsome figure of a
man at 18, he made his first try at the stage in London. But failing to ob-
tain an engagement, became a solicitor for an insurance company. However,
the next year him ambition was realized, and he made his first stage appearance
as Hortensio in "The Taming of the Shrew" on the stage of the Theatre Royal,
Ipswich, with Sir Frank Benson's No. 2 company, April 21, 1911.
In October, 1912, he came to America with the Benson company, appear-
ing in New York in Shakespearean repertoire. His first London appearance was
at the Savoy, July 9, 1914, as Finch in "The Sin of David."
During 1914 and 1915, Rathbone appeared variously with Benson on tour
and in London and early in 1916 enlisted as a private in the London Scottish.
151
He later became a lieutenant in the Liverpool Scottish, saw service in France,
and in September, 1918, gained the Military Cross.
Mustered out, he played romantic roles in London and New York stage
productions for the next eight years, winning a high reputation on the Broad-
way stage notably for his roles in "The Captive" and "Command to Love." It
was while playing in "Common Love" with Mary Nash that M-G-M engaged him for
his first picture role, that of Lord Dilling in "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney."
That was in February, 1929. Since then he has played continuously
in pictures, as much in demand as any actor in Hollywood.
His favorite role is that of Romeo, which he played in London, and
in New York with Katharine Cornell as Juliet. His special aversion is anyone
who tries to make a fool of him.
He is six feet plus one and one-quarter inches, weighs 167 pounds,
has black hair and hazel brown eyes.
Tennis is still his favorite recreation, and he is one of the tennis
aces of Hollywood. He has two motor cars, a Packard and a Marmon — drives
both.
He is married to Ouida Bergere and they have one son. An earlier
London marriage to Ethel Marian Forman ended in divorce.
His favorite book is "World's Illusion." He likes dogs, has several
as pets. And he sings.
His film roles in Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., include: "Captain
Blood," "Confession," "Tovarich."
152
RONALD REAGAN
Ronald Reagan is of Irish descent and was born at Tampico, Illinois.
Working his way through high school as lifeguard at Rock River Beach near
Dixon, 111., he was credited with the rescue of seventy-seven lives during a
period of seven summers. His own record he kept by hacking a notch in a
fallen tree trunk after each rescue.
His schoolboy ambition was to act, and while attending Eureka Col-
lege at Eureka, 111., he took the opportunity to further this ambition by act-
ing in the college plays. Later he joined a small repertoire stock company,
playing in Peoria, Eureka, 111., and Davenport, Iowa.
Deciding this avocation was not very profitable, he started writing
a weekly sports column for a Des Moines, Iowa, newspaper and this led to an
opportunity as a sports announcer over radio station WHO.
Remained four years at this radio station, during which time he broad-
cast many sporting events of national importance and became widely known as
"Dutch" Reagan. While broadcasting the Spring exhibition games between the
Chicago Cubs and White Sox baseball teams in California, he was given a test
at Warner Bros, studio and his debut in pictures in the leading role in "Love
Is On the Air" followed.
Reagan is an all around athlete, stands over six feet tall, weighs
170 pounds. Broad-shouldered and with a slender waistline, he is proficient
at almost every sport. An expert marksman and horseman, he holds a commission
as a reserve officer in the U. S. Cavalry, steeplechase riding being his fa-
vorite exercise.
Has grey eyes and dark brown hair.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his pictures
include: "Love Is On the Air," "Submarine D-l," "Sergeant Murphy," "Accidents
Will Happen."
153
CRAIG REYNOLDS
Craig Reynolds was born Hugh Enfield in Anaheim, Calif., on a very
warm day, July 15, 1907. Changed his name because his original was difficult
to spell and remember.
Was educated at Monte Vista school, Highland Park School and Franklin
High School. Was on the tennis team and played football and baseball.
While he did not take part in any school dramatics, he had a sup-
pressed desire to be an actor. The Big Opportunity came when he went into
the Drama Art Workshop in the Little Theatre in Los Angeles. Played in
"Spring Song," "Biography," "Blood On the Moon," "The Milky Way," and
"Coquette," in which Mary Pickford starred. During these appearances an agent
saw him and he signed his name on the dotted line and headed for the cellu-
loid factories.
His first picture was a hair-raising serial "Phantom of the Air."
It is now his ambition to make good on the screen, then play on the
New York stage, and then come back to the screen.
If he ever gave up dramatic work, he believes he would like to write,
although he has never written anything. Is also interested in music, but
plays no musical instruments. Just sings for his own amusement and enter-
tainment .
Lists as his favorites of the screen Spencer Tracy, Pat O'Brien,
James Cagney, Bette Davis, Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins.
Doesn't care much for talkative women, and turns up his nose at spin-
ach and hamburgers. Has a suppressed desire to crash his car into a road hog.
To keep fit he plays handball, squash, golf, tennis, and goes fish-
ing. Also likes ping pong, poker and blackjack. Likes to watch tennis
matches, prize fights and football games.
Likes good books and favors "The Genius" by Dreiser, Saroyan's "The
Daring Young Man," O'Hara's "Appointment in Samarra," and "Little Man, What
Now. "
154
Has some sort of a dog named "Lucky." Drives a Ford car but doesn't
own a boat. His favorite color is blue, and he likes a vaseful of peonies.
Names as his hobbies deep sea fishing and making model airplanes.
Is pretty good at making these miniature air buggies. Also has an odorous
collection of pipes.
Is not very superstitious but people have noticed that he will not
walk under a ladder. They have remarked about it.
He is six feet two inches tall, weighs 180 pounds and has gray eyes
and black hair.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has recently
appeared in "Ceiling Zero," "Times Square Playboy," "Sons O'Guns," "Smart
Blonde," "The Great O'Malley," "Penrod and Sam," "Back In Circulation," "The
Great Garrick."
155
BEVERLY ROBERTS
Beverly Roberts is her real name and she was born in New York City
on May 19, 1914. She boasts of some interesting ancestors, among them being
her great-great grandfather, Edward Jenner, the discoverer of small pox serum
and vaccination. Also Sir William Jenner, the famous surgeon whom Napoleon
called "the greatest benefactor of his age." Her father is descended from
Lord Roberts of Boer War fame.
She was educated at the Girls High School, New York, and the Lock-
wood Academy in London. Wasn't particularly active in school sports. Just
wanted to be an actress. In school she played the leading role in Caesar
Borgia.
Her career began at the age of 16, when a dramatic coach sent her to
Eva Le Gallienne. She first played in "Cradle Song." Other roles followed
in Broadway plays: "The Passionate Pilgrim," "Girls In Uniform," and "Ser-
vice" in London. She also played in motion picture houses in a tabloid ver-
sion of "The Student Prince."
Following this not very startling theatrical career she went to Paris
and found herself stranded. Became a singer at ten francs a day singing in
the Noctam Bules. Shortly after that she sang a few French songs at a cock-
tail party and Maurice Chalom heard her and signed her to sing at the Boeuf
Sur Le Toit.
Returning to America, she found herself practically stranded again
and sought work singing in the cafes. She wound up at the popular House of
Lords in New York and it was here that a Warner talent scout saw her and
signed her for pictures. Oddly enough she has never yet sung in a motion
picture production.
If she ever gave up dramatic work she would like to go in for com-
mercial aviation. It is her present ambition "To have a thoroughly well
156
rounded personality," but secretly she has a suppressed desire "to be slink-
ingly and smoulderingly glamorous."
Outside of dramatics, she is mostly interested in sculpture in which
she dabbles. Has never written for publication, doesn't sketch or paint,
doesn't play any musical instrument. But she does sing intimate little songs
interestingly.
She has travelled in England, France and Mexico, and among the cit-
ies she has visited she prefers Paris.
Is mildly interested in clothes, not fussy about them at all as a
matter of fact, but would prefer to buy them in Paris to anywhere else.
Among her dislikes she names wrought iron sculpture and people who
cry over spilt milk.
Ask her her pet economy and she will reply "lipsticks," whatever
that means. Her great extravagance is buying phonograph records. Buys them
all the time.
Says she does nothing in the way of athletics to keep fit. But she
is a good tennis player, is practically a mermaid in the water, and she shoots
a mean arrow in archery.
As a diet she advises raw carrots and oranges, but among her favor-
ite foods she lists rare roast beef, eggs bearnais and spinach. Declares she
can cook and does so occasionally.
Has no particular beauty secrets. Just uses cold cream. She names
as her favorite actors and actresses Ann Harding, George Brent and Patsy
Kelly.
Among her favorite books are Frances Thompson's Poems, Huneker's
"Painted Veil," Lloyd Douglas' "Green Light," Walter Pater's "Leonardo's Ren-
aissance" and Pierre Louys' "Chansons De Bilitis."
Doesn't go in heavy for pets. Just has a Manx cat called "Hussy."
Drives a smart roadster but prefers a motorcycle to anything. Whizzes up to
157
the studio every morning, and scoots around from one studio stage to another
on her motorcycle.
Has no particular hobbies, outside of collecting jade elephants.
For a good luck charm she carries a small stone elephant. Her favorite color
is green and her favorite flower is the oleander.
She doesn't own a boat, has no beach house or mountain cabin, isn't
particularly interested in governmental problems, and is not a bit supersti-
tious.
She saves her money, has a definite financial program, all under the
guidance of her business manager.
She is five feet four and one-half inches tall, weighs 115 pounds,
has brown eyes, and ash blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
pictures include: "The Singing Kid," "Sons O'Guns," "Hot Money," "China Clip-
per," "God's Country and the Woman," "Her Husband's Secretary," "West of
Shanghai," "The Perfect Specimen," "Expensive Husbands," "Highway Pirates."
158
EDWARD G. ROBINSON
Edward G. Robinson was born in Bucharest, Roumania, on December 12th,
1893. His family came to America and became naturalized citizens when he was
very young. Was educated in the New York public schools and he took a Master
of Arts degree at the Columbia University.
His earliest ambition was to become a minister. During his college
days he wanted to be a lawyer, then he decided he would rather become an
actor. Took part in amateur theatricals while in school and indulged in de-
bates and soap-box oratory.
He mapped out an ambitious career for himself which was interrupted
by the World War, during which time he served in the United States Navy. As
a gob he hoped to be valuable in the Intelligence Corps because of his knowl-
edge of languages, but his suggestion to the government was not acted upon
until Armistice Day. Too late. He is an accomplished linguist, speaking
Spanish, Italian, French, German, Hebrew, Yiddish, and his native tongue.
He made his first hit on the professional stage in vaudeville in an
act written by himself, "The Bells of Conscience." Signed for his first pic-
ture role with Richard Barthelmess in "The Bright Shawl" because the engage-
ment included a trip to Havana. Upon his arrival he became seriously ill and
was unable to participate in any of the enjoyments he anticipated.
Has been acclaimed one of the finest actors on the American stage
and has undoubtedly played more widely different roles than any other actor.
Appeared in ten plays with the Theatre Guild and has been seen in such out-
standing dramatic works as "The Man with Red Hair," "The Brothers Karamazov,"
"Juarez and Maximilian," "Right You Are If You Think You Are," "Peer Gynt,"
"The Adding Machine," "The Firebrand," "The Deluge," "Night Lodging," "The
Idle Inn," "Launzi," "Under Fire," "Under Sentence," "The Kibitzer," of which
he was co-author, and "Mr. Samuels."
His present ambition is to play good parts in good plays and good
pictures. The characterization is all important to him. He likes both the
stage and the screen, and would not like to give up one for the other. He
considers "Little Caesar" and "Kid Galahad" his finest pictures to date and
"The Hole in the Wall" his worst. If he decided to give up dramatic work he
would like to be a guide on a round- the-world tour.
His favorites of the screen are Wallace Beery, George Arliss, Norma
Shearer, James Cagney, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich and Lily Pons. Of the
stage he favors David Warfield, Pauline Lord, Helen Hayes, Alfred Lunt, Lynne
Fontanne and Gladys Lloyd (the latter being, of course, Mrs. Robinson) , now
retired.
He is mad about the music of Richard Wagner; in fact, he likes all
of the classic composers. Of the moderns he enjoys the music of George Gersh-
win. He likes the musical comedies of Fields, Rogers and Hart. His favorite
playwright is Sidney Howard, who he hopes will write a play for him sometime.
Of the arts allied to the drama he most prefers music. Declares that
music is the basis of all art. He cannot play an instrument himself — his
wife plays the piano — but he will seat himself before the player piano and
pedal his favorite music rolls for hours, or play symphonic records on the
Victrola.
He once cut up forty piano rolls and pasted them together in what he
thought would be an entirely original and entertaining composition. Tried it
out but his wife delivered some caustic remarks which convinced him that it
was not a success, so the Robinson Symphony had not been heard since. He has
the latest orthophonic phonograph and enough symphonic records — mostly Wag-
ner — to start a music shop. Also enjoys a radio program when he can ITsten
to a symphony orchestra.
He is a great reader and enjoys anything by the old proven standbys,
but he specifically names Anatole France, Bernard Shaw, Samuel Butler, W. H.
Hudson and Feuchtwanger as his favorite authors. Snaps up first editions and
fine bindings and avidly reads and re-reads all of his favorites.
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Has no rules for health, but insists upon lots of sleep. Has no pet
diet, but he eats a great deal of fruit. His favorite sports are golf, long
walks, motoring, window shopping, and visiting art galleries and pipe stores.
He likes to play cards and shoot craps.
He will snarl in true gangster fashion, in the manner of "Little
Caesar," if he receives a telephone call too early in the morning. He dis-
likes what he calls "pink teas," and he does not care to be stared at or made
a fuss of in public places. Does not like to write letters. Becomes "Little
Caesar" again if called upon to make a speech or to "act out" in the parlor.
Speeches make him nervous.
He is extravagant when he sees an art object which he would like for
his home, or when he hears of some new mechanical musical device, but he does
not like to spend money for garters or suspenders. Smokes expensive cigars
and has a collection of about 300 pipes. Prefers the cigars and is seldom
seen without one in his mouth.
His chief hobby is music. "I'm nuts about good music," he will tell
you. He also has a weakness for buying etchings and lovely paintings. In-
terested in modern art. Owns original paintings by Cezanne, Renoir, Degas,
Gaugin, Picasso, Grant Wood, Pissaro, and others of the noted "moderns." Has
loaned many of his art treasures to "shows." When in New York he spends most
of his time in art galleries and has massive paintings sent to his hotel suite
on approval. At home, he spends no end of time rearranging the pictures on
his wall.
Likes to stay up late and talk with a few intimate friends on most
any good argumentative subject. Keeps the movies and business out of these
talk fests.
When it comes to sports, you'll always find him at the ringside of a
prize fight yelling at the top of his lungs whether the match be in New York,
Chicago or Hollywood. Knows all of the big fighters by their first names, and
4
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he is "Eddie" to them. Also takes in football, horses, races, and the more
popular outdoor sports.
His most terrific enthusiasm and hobby, however, is none other than
Eddie Robinson, Jr., who came into this fine world on March 19th, 1933. Daddy
is positive the boy is going to be a great actor, a great musician, or a
great something-or-other . There is a happy combination in the Robinson mai-
son with Eddie, Jr., and Mrs. Robinson -- well known on the stage as Gladys
Lloyd, having played with her husband in a number of Broadway successes.
When Eddie, Senior, returns from his morning walk he is apt to have
his arms filled with new toys for Junior, or a cobwebby lace handkerchief or
the latest scent of Guerlain's perfume for Gladys. He is exceedingly gener-
ous. If you call on him he will undoubtedly present you with a brand new
pipe from his ever-ready collection. If you are a lady, you will get perfume.
As his pets, he names Eddie, Jr., his wife, his mother, his friends, and the
roles he plays.
He is five feet eight inches tall, weighs 158 pounds, has brown eyes
and black hair. His face is round and might almost be called cherubic, and
his cheerful grin is almost always evident.
His pictures made at the Warner Bros, studio include: "The Widow From
Chicago," "Little Caesar," "Smart Money," "Five Star Final," "The Hatchet
Man," "Two Seconds," "Tiger Shark," "Silver Dollar," "The Little Giant," "I
Loved a Woman," "Dark Hazard," "The Man With Two Faces," "Bullets or Ballots,"
"Kid Galahad," "A Slight Case of Murder," "The Gamblers."
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ANN SHERIDAN
Ann Sheridan was born Clara Lou Sheridan in Dallas, Texas, February
21, 1915. Says she is of Scotch-Irish and Indian descent and names General
Philip Sheridan as her most famous ancestor.
In Dallas she attended the R. E. Lee School, the Denton Junior High
School, and then went to North Texas State Teachers College, expecting to be-
come a teacher, but somehow things turned out differently.
During her school days she played basketball and tennis, and on the
side she discovered she was a pretty good "blues" singer. So she sang "blues"
with the college orchestra.
Then came one of those beauty contests and a film scout saw her.
The school-teacher-to-be became a budding movie star.
At the present moment it is her ambition to be a very fine actress,
and she is not particularly interested in any other sort of a career. How-
ever, she enjoys painting in oils and this might turn out profitably, although
she timidly has her doubts. Has traveled through Mexico and has been in Cuba,
but she likes Hollywood better than any other place.
When it comes to pet aversions, she is scared to death of flying,
she doesn't like traffic cops, she loathes turnips and spinach, she dislikes
the ringing of the telephone, and she can't stand very much of the radio.
Her favorite extravagances are good books and clothes, and the Holly-
wood shops are good enough for her. Is not interested in any diet. Likes
potatoes in any form, and enthuses over Spanish cooking. Says she can cook
and sometimes does.
To keep fit she plays tennis, swims, aquaplanes and goes horseback
riding. Likes to watch polo matches, horse races and prize fights. For less
strenuous sports, she enjoys badminton, ping pong and bridge.
Names as her hobbies good books, and her favorites include "Seven
Pillars of Wisdom" by Lawrence, "Around the World in 11 Years" by the Abbey
163
children, James Hilton's "Lost Horizon," and Woollcott's "While Rome Burns."
She drives a Ford but doesn't own a boat or a beach house. Her fa-
vorite color is blue, and when it comes to flowers she has a suppressed desire
for black and white orchids.
She saves her money but has no definite financial program. Her good
luck charm is an opal ring, and she is superstitious about hats on beds and
whistling in the dressing room.
Ann Sheridan is five feet five inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, has
hazel eyes and red-brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include: "Sing Me a Love Song," "The Great O'Malley," "Black
Legion," "San Quentin," "The Footloose Heiress," "Wine, Women and Horses,"
"Alcatraz Island," "She Loved a Fireman," "Patient in Room 18."
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VLADIMIR SOKOLOFF
Vladimir Sokoloff made his stage debut in Moscow, Russia. He became
one of the most famous members of the Moscow Kammertheater under the direc-
tion of Tairoff. Later he went all over Europe on a tour with Tairoff and
while on the tour played in Berlin. He studied German there and in a very-
short time (almost over night) became one of the leading actors in the Berlin
theatres .
Met Max Reinhardt and played for years in all of his theatres, mak-
ing himself a very prominent place in the theatres of Berlin, Vienna, the
Festivals in Salzburg, and other European cities. He went with Reinhardt in
1927 and 1928 to New York and played on Broadway there. He also played in
the Reinhardt German season with tremendous success.
His biggest successes in New York were as "Puck" in "A Midsummer
Night's Dream," "Robespierre" in "Danton" and as "Death" in "Everyman."
After finishing his New York engagement, he came to Warner Bros,
where he was under contract making German versions for them. While he was
under contract to them, Reinhardt asked him to come to Europe.
After Sokoloff left Berlin the second time, he went to Paris and
there began to play in his fourth language — French. In Paris he soon be-
came an actor of great reputation on the stage and also in motion pictures.
His latest successes were in "Lac Aux Dames," in which he played the leading
part with Simone Simon, and "Mayerling" in which picture Charles Boyer had
the lead.
Over the period of the last five years he has worked steadily in
French motion pictures, and has achieved a position as one of the outstanding
actors of the French stage and motion pictures. He is not a leading man type
but is an outstanding character actor.
He is a man of great humor and profound feeling, and has won a great
reputation in Europe for the depth and sincerity with which he plays all his
165
roles. He is one of the closest friends of Tristan Bernard, the "Bernard
Shaw" of France. Bernard is, at the present time, writing several plays
around the talents of Sokoloff, because in his opinion, Sokoloff is one of the
outstanding actors in France.
He is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his recent
pictures include: "The Life of Emile Zola," "West of Shanghai," "Alcatraz
Island," "Expensive Husbands," "Tovarich."
166
JUNE TRAVIS
June Travis was born June Dorothea Grabiner, in Chicago on a windy
day, August 7, 1914. Changed her name for professional reasons. Is a daugh-
ter of the Vice-President of the Chicago White Sox.
Was educated at the Parkside School in Chicago, also in the Starrett
School for Girls and the University of California at Los Angeles. And studied
dramatics for six weeks at Chicago Dramatic School. During school she was on
the swimming team, played basketball, baseball and hockey.
Was given a contract by Warner Bros, after a Warner scout had seen a
screen test made by Paramount. Her favorite role is that of the air-steward-
ess in "Ceiling Zero."
Is interested in music and painting. Sketches sketchily and plays
the piano. Also dances a little and studies singing. Boasts that she is a
pretty good automobile mechanic.
Has traveled extensively in Europe, the British Isles, France, Rus-
sia and Vienna. But likes to buy her clothes in Hollywood because it is han-
dier at the present.
Hates to go to night clubs and see people spending a whole evening
looking tired and blase. Her pet economy is buying everything she can at the
f ive-and-ten-cent store. Her suppressed desire is to ship on a tramp steamer
as a stewardess, and her favorite extravagance is taking airplane rides in all
directions.
To keep fit she swims, hikes, plays tennis and badminton. Also ping
pong.
Has no diet, eats everything except squash, turnips and eggplant.
Is crazy about baseball and likes to go to prize fights. Her favor-
ite color is gray, and she likes roses.
Lists as her hobbies athletics, motoring, flying, and taking the
snapshots of friends and people she meets.
Has no good luck charm and is not superstitious.
She is five feet 4 inches tall, weighs 116 pounds, has green eyes
and dark brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and has ap-
peared in "Stranded," "Ceiling Zero," "Earthworm Tractor," "Case of the Lucky
Legs," "Bengal Tiger," "Don't Pull Your Punches," "Love Is on the Air," "Over
the Goal," "Evidence."
168
LA-NA TURNER
Lana Turner was born Julia Jeanne Lana Turner in Wallace, Idaho, on
February 8, 1921. She was known to her friends as Judy Turner, but became
Lana Turner because Mervyn LeRoy, Producer-director of her first picture,
thought that "Judy" sounded too chorine-ish.
She was educated in private grammar schools and was a student in
Hollywood High School when she was discovered for the movies. Played leading
roles in high school, but was much more interested in designing, and was
studying to be a dress designer when the movies got her.
Her movie debut sounds like one of Ripley's "Believe It Or Nots."
She was having lunch with a girl friend at a small tearoom across from Holly-
wood High School when a newspaper man saw her and introduced her to an agent.
It happened that Mervyn LeRoy was looking for a 16-year-old screen novice for
the role of Mary Clay in his production "They Won't Forget." The agent hur-
ried the school girl to Mr. LeRoy 's office at the Warner Studio, and arranged
a test. When LeRoy saw the test, along with tests of twenty other girls,
Lana Turner's girlish wholesomeness was so marked that he signed her for the
role and put her on a personal long-term contract.
Just now her ambition is to become a great dramatic actress and after
her exceptional work in "They Won't Forget," this looks quite probable. If
she ever decided to give up dramatic work she would go back to dress design-
ing, her original ambition.
Is interested in sketching and water color work. Also does interpre-
tative dancing and a little tap dancing. Gets her tap dancing ability from
her father who was a dancer in vaudeville before he became a mining engineer.
He taught her dancing more for the health value of such training than with the
idea of a possible stage career.
Her favorites of the screen are Kay Francis, Bette Davis, Claude
Rains, Bing Crosby, Errol Flynn, Martha Raye, and Edward G. Robinson.
t
169
Has not many pet aversions. Just names "snoopy" people. Has not
many suppressed desires, but she likes to make faces at traffic cops.
When it comes to pet economies — well, she constantly saves little
pieces of ribbon. Also washes her own stockings. Eventually she braids them
into rag rugs. But is extravagant when she goes into a hat shop.
To keep fit she walks four miles a day. She also likes to bowl.
Plays tennis, swims, and goes horseback riding. Likes to watch good tennis
matches and football games, but has never attended a prize fight.
Can't get excited about any diet. Lists as her favorite foods all
sorts of pies and fruits, especially lemon chiffon pie, and nice ripe juicy
pears. Says she can cook a little bit.
When it comes to beauty secrets, she will tell you she eats lemons.
And instead of using cold cream she uses olive oil.
Reads all of the current magazines. Her favorite book is "Little
Women" by Louisa M. Alcott, and also the "Elsie" books.
Has lived in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Wallace, Idaho. Did
considerable traveling when she graduated from grammar school. Urged her
mother to allow her to make a tour of the country with a relative. So 14-
year-old Lana left San Francisco with a railroad ticket two yards long and
visited Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, New
York, Atlanta, New Orleans and Mexico City. Says she enjoyed it.
She is very much interested in clothes, especially hats, and says
the Hollywood shops are most satisfactory.
When it comes to pets, she has a pair of cocker spaniels, "Maggie"
and "Mickey." She also likes to collect antiques such as vases, plates,
and knick-knacks. Also collects elephants of all sizes, but not live ones!
Her favorite color is blue and her favorite flower the gardenia.
Her good luck charm is a little piece of tin about the size of a
penny.
Isn't very superstitious, but is wary when a black cat crosses her
path, and about walking under ladders, and putting hats on the bed.
Lana Turner is five feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 109 pounds, has
blue-gray eyes and reddish-brown hair. Is of Scotch-Irish English descent.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
pictures include: "They Won't Forget," "The Great Garrick."
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RUDY VALLEE
Rudy Vallee was bom Hubert Prior Vallee, July 28, 1901, in Island
Pond, Vermont. His college fraternity nicknamed him "Rudy" because he
couldn't stop talking about his personal hero, Rudy Wiedoeft, the saxophone
player. Is a New England Yankee with a dash of French, his ancestors pro-
nouncing the name the French way, but Rudy changed everything by pronouncing
it "Valley."
As a boy he played leads in high school plays, worked in his father's
drug store, and worked one summer in a Vermont saw mill.
Began his theatrical career early. Ushered in his home town theatre
for $7 a week, spent two years in the same theatre as a projectionist, and
made money on the side singing with a quartette and in various glee clubs.
Is still interested in the mechanics of motion picture filming and
projection, and has an extensive amateur equipment of his own. Has a private
hankering to be a motion picture producer.
Attended the University of Maine for one year where he joined
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and learned the famous Stein Song which he
popularized later on the radio. Then went to Yale and led the Yale football
band in his senior year. (Princeton beat Yale that season.) Paid his own
way through Yale and had several thousand dollars in the bank when finished.
Worked hard during his college life playing with his orchestra at parties
where his wealthier classmates were guests.
Belongs to the Elks and is a member of the American Legion, having
served as a youngster in the Navy during the World War.
Leaving college, he began his musical career as a saxophonist with a
band. Then founded his famous Connecticut Yankees. He once had sixty
people on his payroll, including 23 musicians, a secretary, a cook, a
chauffeur and others. Is a strict disciplinarian and a glutton for work —
a master showman in spite of his comparative youth.
Made his film debut in 1929 when he made a musical short subject for
Warner Bros, in the Brooklyn Vitaphone Studio.
He plays the piano, drums, saxophone and clarinet. Although he was
not the first to croon into a microphone, he is the most famous "crooner,"
and was the first radio star to receive voluminous fan mail. Doesn't sing in
the bathroom, nor play his saxophone in the living room of his apartment.
Has had little time to have fun. Has always worked and has almost
always made money at it. Knows nothing of bridge or poker. Wishes he could
play tennis, but cannot. Likes to watch baseball which he played in high
school. Smokes cigarettes but dislikes the smell of a pipe. Sleeps late morn-
ings, follows the "Hay" diet very strictly, and dresses well, but not
"too well."
Is without superstitions of any kind. Carries no good luck piece,
collects nothing, fears nobody. Has been known to offer or accept a chance
to settle a dispute with his fists numerous times.
Is impatient with people who move or talk slowly. Likes to drive
great distances at high speed, and has been known to have been picked up by
more than one traffic cop. By this, you will gather he is seldom late for
an appointment.
Road hogs and affected people irritate him greatly. His favorite
color is blue, his favorite food is roast beef, and lettuce with Thousand
Island dressing. Buys government bonds and Maine real estate, and saves
his money.
Is very serious about his desire to rid the world of rackets and
racketeers. To that end he takes an active interest in politics.
Reads considerably. Walter B. Pitkin's book, "The Psychology of
Achievement," has had a profound influence on his life. Has a tremendous
music library, and many biographies on famous composers.
Has light brown hair, inclined to be curly, a ruddy complexion, and
blue eyes. Wears dark glasses much of the time and isn't generally recognized
on the street, although sometimes a radio fan will "spot" him.
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his pictures
include: "Sweet Music."
FRED WARING
Born at Tyrone, Pennsylvania, early in the 20th century, Fred Waring
is the son of a banker. And the great grandson of William C. Waring, founder
of Penn State College. His parents have been choir singers for 35 years.
And Fred has been a Boy Scout for 25 years and proud of it.
Fred, Tom his brother, Poley McClintock and the late Fred Buck were
neighbors and boyhood playmates. Organized an orchestra in which the two
Freds played banjos, Poley the drums and Tom the piano. And also sang in a
front porch quartette, called the "Scrap Iron Quartette." Fred's first out-
standing achievement was to induce a Tyrone business man to outfit a fife and
drum corps for the boy scouts, which Fred rehearsed and conducted.
Then he decided to become an architect. Enrolled at Penn State Col-
lege, as did his boyhood pals. Waited on table, worked on a bread and milk
route in a photo shop to pay his expenses. But found time to join Alpha Chi
Rho fraternity, become top sergeant of the R.O.T.C. and assistant manager of
the varsity football team.
But failed with his three buddies to make the college glee club, and
to "show them," organized a dance band comprised of the four boys. Played
dance dates throughout the state at $65 and meals per night, traveling in a
decrepit flivver. Originated new style in dance music and introduced singing
through megaphones and other novelties in entertainment.
Business got so good Waring and the boys left college to devote all
their time to the band. Members were added. First break came in 1921 when
they played the University of Michigan "Jay Hop"... and made a radio appearance
which led to theatre bookings in Chicago.
Now Waring' s Pennsylvanians are considered by theatre and radio crit-
ics to be the outstanding show band in the world.
Fred Waring is five feet eight inches tall, weighs 135 pounds, has
blue eyes and brown hair. Married and has two children.
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Hates cigar smoke, but collects cigarette cases as a hobby. Likes to
drive automobiles fast for relaxation, but insists upon their always being in
first class mechanical condition. An expert golfer, he is a stickler for
keeping fit. Collects miniature orchestras. Personally coaches and rehearses
the Waring Glee Club. He sang for the first time in Warner Bros, musical,
"Varsity Show."
Is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and his pictures
include: "Varsity Show."
DORIS WESTON
Doris Weston was born in Chicago on September 9, 1917. Her real
name is Doris Wester, and it was changed because it was found rather diffi-
cult to pronounce. She is of American-Swedish ancestry and her father is a
real estate man.
She was educated in the Professional Children's School in New York
City. The same school where Ruby Keeler, Gene Raymond and others received
their early education.
Ever since she can remember, she wanted to be an actress. In school
she played leads in French plays, and the leading role in a school presenta-
tion of "Mother Carey's Chickens." She became interested in theatricals
through the late Margaret Illington (the wife of Major Bowes), an old family
friend.
Her career began through the efforts of her singing teacher Nicholas
Kempner, who got her an engagement at the Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Center.
She remained there for nine weeks, the longest engagement any singer has had
there .
NBC offered her a contract and she accepted. Has been a guest star
with Rudy Vallee and on other programs, and then was given a sustaining pro-
gram of her own.
While at the Rainbow Room, she was offered several chances to make
screen tests. An illness of three months held up her career, and finally she
was tested by Paramount. Paramount turned the test down, but Warner Bros, saw
it next and signed her to a contract.
She does what she calls "song interpretations," which are more or
less dramatic readings of the lyric to music. Has had great trouble getting
the right sort of songs until recently, she says, because so many lyrics are
meaningless and defy common sense, let alone interpretation.
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She has never played in stock, nor vaudeville. It is her present
ambition to be a great big star in the movies.
Her favorites of the screen are Greta Garbo, Paul Muni and Dick
Powell. If she ever gave up dramatic work she thinks she would like to become
a writer, although she has never written for publication. She is also inter-
ested in sketching, and she is a pretty good pianist.
She is greatly interested in clothes and prefers New York as a fash-
ion center.
As pet aversions, she names dress fittings, sleeve garters (espe-
cially pink ones) , and finger-nail-biters.
She has an important pet economy. She chews half a stick of gum at
a time.
Her favorite extravagances are perfumes, and lots of shoes.
She does nothing special to keep fit. No diet. Goes in heavy for
beefsteak, French fried potatoes, and ice cream. Can cook a little and some-
times actually does.
Has no beauty secrets.
When it comes to outdoor sports, she plays tennis, swims and loves
to go sailing. Has a suppressed desire to be an aviatrix.
When it comes to watching sports, she yells her lungs off at a foot-
ball game, or a baseball game, or a tennis match. Doesn't care much for prize
fights, but likes to watch exhibition divers.
When it comes to literature, she likes her books "fat." Her favor-
ites are "Anthony Adverse" and "Gone With the Wind." She has no pets at the
present time, doesn't own a boat, nor a beach house, nor mountain cabin. She
drives a Lincoln Zephyr.
Her favorite color is blue, and when it comes to flowers, she likes
orchids or gardenias. Who doesn't? She is not particularly interested in
government problems nor politics, and when it comes to church, it is a Lu-
theran Church. When it comes to hobbies, she names her collection of dolls.
Also collects china dogs and pelicans. She also enjoys collecting bridge
prizes. Her good luck charm is a little silver dog.
She isn't very superstitious, but she thinks it is sort of bad luck
to sing before she gets up in the morning.
Doris Weston is five feet five inches tall, weighs 118 pounds, has
green eyes and ash blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include: "The Singing Marine," "Submarine D-l."
MARIE WILSON
Marie Wilson is her real name and she was born in Anaheim, Calif. ,
on August 19, 1916.
Was educated at Miss Page's school in Los Angeles, then went to the
Cumnock School for Girls in Hollywood.
Her career apparently began during her school days, because she was
simply frantic to be an actress. Acted all the time. Acted in school plays
and before the mirror. Then on a nice sunshiny day so peculiar to California
she put on her hat and went down to ask for a tryout with the Beverly Hills
Players. P.S. She got the job! And was she surprised I With this organi-
zation she played in "Call Me Neighbor," "The King's Pleasure," and "The Girl
Friend. "
Then it occurred to her that she might do something about those mo-
tion pictures which were going on all around her. So she put on her hat —
a different one this time — and went to see William McGuire, who sent her to
Seymour Felix, who sent her to Rufus Le Maire. It was quite a tour, and she
wound up by getting a test at M.G.M. But nothing happened until Warner Bros,
saw the test and signed her. And was she surprised!
And now it is her present ambition to develop through unceasing work
and study and effort into a great artist. But what would she do if she left
dramatic work? She has no idea.
Her favorite actors are John Barrymore, Elisabeth Bergner, William
Powell, Joan Blondell, Luise Rainer and Bette Davis.
Outside of acting she is very interested in literature. Reads books
and everything. Her favorites are Huxley's "Point Counter Point," Cabell's
"Jurgen," Wasserman's "World's Illusion," and Rolland"s "Jean Christophe."
She has never tried to write for publication and she doesn't paint
or sketch. But she can whang the tar out of the piano.
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Never thought much about singing or dancing before, but is now study-
ing it like mad. Says it ought to help her acting like everything. When it
comes to pet aversions she shudders at the thought of turnips and horehound
candy. Has no suppressed desires, and when it comes to pet economies she
names handkerchiefs.
She is frightfully extravagant. Hats! Can't resist 'em.
To keep fit she doesn't do much — just dances. Also plays badmin-
ton. Or else yells her lungs off at football games and prizefights. She also
gets pretty strenuous at the ping pong table or the bridge table.
Names as her favorite foods, lobster, buttermilk and candy. Probably
doesn't make these three a combination dish. Says she can cook and often
does. No casualties yet.
Has absolutely no beauty secrets. Will tell you exactly how it's
done. She just uses soap and water.
Hasn't many pets. Just one. A turtle named "Frankie." Her favorite
color is pink, her favorite flower is the tuberose.
Hasn't any yacht, beach house, or mountain cabin, but she drives a
Packard. Says she is interested in government problems and politics. Gets
all the answers out of the newspapers.
She has no good luck charm and she absolutely refuses to be super-
stitious about anything.
She is five feet 5 inches tall, weighs 104 pounds, has brown eyes
and very blonde hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
pictures include: "Miss Pacific Fleet," "Stars Over Broadway," "Hard Luck
Dame," "Colleen," "The Big Noise," "China Clipper," "King of Hockey," "Melody
for Two," "Public Wedding," "The Great Garrick," "Without Warning."
a od of sea,
181
JANE WYMAN
Jane Wyman was born Sarah Jane Folks, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, on
January 4th, 1914.
She is French-American descent, her mother having been Le Jerne
Pechelle, a singer and actress in Paris. Her father, R. D. Folks, the Amer-
ican head of the family, has been a municipal office holder, Mayor, and has
held other political positions.
She was educated in Noyes Grammar School in St. Joseph, then Los
Angeles High School in California, then back to Columbia College of Missouri.
Went in for all sorts of athletics in her school days. Enjoyed ten-
nis, soccer, volley ball, basketball, riding, and captured the tennis cham-
pionship.
It was during her school days, at the ripe old age of 8 that she be-
came an actress for the first time in a bit of footlight whimsy called,
"School Days." That appearance aroused the actress in her and as she grew
older she appeared in other school plays including "Father Returns," "The An-
nual Jubilee," "Joan of Arc," in which she ambitiously played the title role.
She declares that she got into motion pictures on her own inclina-
tion, saying, "I had a hunch that I might make good; saw an agent and got a
job." The agent she black-jacked got her a small role in "My Man Godfrey."
She confesses that up to this time she had tried her hand at about
everything including being a manicurist, hairdresser, switchboard operator,
secretary, a model, and a "blues" singer.
She declares, however, that Mervyn LeRoy, Warner's producer-director,
gave her her first big "break," and that whatever competence she possesses as
an actress she definitely owes to him. After "My Man Godfrey," she played
small roles at the Warner studio, and it was Mervyn LeRoy who gave her her
first important role in "The King and the Chorus Girl." Following that she
182
appeared in several pictures, and then Mr. LeRoy gave her the feminine lead
opposite Kenny Baker in his picture "Mr. Dodd Takes The Air."
The young lady is really unusually talented. She is something of a
"blues" singer and can sing "St. Louis Blues" in six different languages, and
bang away at the piano at the same time.
In addition, she is something of a writer, two of her short stories
having appeared in Liberty Magazine, one being "Penthouse Blues," the other
"From Dusk to Dawn." She is also a fair artist and sketches in pen and ink
and charcoal. Also is extremely interested in designing and interior
decorating.
Naturally, her present ambition is to be a simply terrifically good
actress. Her favorites of the screen are Kay Francis, Norma Shearer, Ian
Hunter, Joan Blondell, Ronald Colman and Bette Davis.
Has travelled in Hawaii, Panama, Canada and Cuba, and was most
interested in Honolulu and Montreal in those places. She prefers to buy her
clothes in New York and declares that smart clothes are her hobby.
States that her suppressed desires are, Fame, Fortune, and
Happiness .
Has some pet economies. Refuses to lend money. Hates to buy gloves
and perfume. Her extravagances she declares are: clothes, shoes, movies,
powder boxes, and powder puffs.
To keep fit she goes in heavy for the prescribed calisthenics, also
lots of sleep. Advises people to avoid tension.
When it comes to her favorite foods, she goes for fried chicken,
baked ham, scalloped potatoes, artichokes, and all sorts of fresh salads.
Doesn't do anything special in the way of beauty aids. Says her
prescription is merely, "Careful adherence to simple health rules for
cleanliness. "
183
Her favorite outdoor sports are tennis, badminton, horseback riding
and golf. She shoots 90. Likes to watch polo matches, tennis matches, horse
races, football games and prize fights.
Likes to read and names as her favorite books: "Gone With the Wind,"
"The Count of Monte Cristo," "Anthony Adverse," Edna Ferber's "Come and Get
It," and Lloyd Douglas', "The Magnificent Obsession."
Doesn't own a dog, but as a pet she is fond of Bebe , a parrot which
stands about five inches tall in his stocking feet.
Drives a Chevrolet, but doesn't own a yacht or a beach house. Isn't
very much interested in government problems or politics.
Her favorite color is Copenhagen blue, and when it comes to flowers,
she likes roses and gardenias.
When it comes to hobbies, her list is as follows: Love, poker, dice,
casino, shoes. Doesn't own any first editions, but she does collect pennies,
powder puffs, powder boxes, shoes, and autographed photographs of her
favorites.
She has a good luck charm. It is a jade locket she found on
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. As to superstitions, she will not accept a pin
without giving a penny in exchange. And if she has a hunch about something
and doesn't go through with it she worries about it for several days.
Never fails to wear something green on St. Patrick's Day.
She is five feet 5 inches tall, weighs 118 pounds, has brown eyes
and brown hair.
She is under contract to Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and her current
productions include: "Smart Blonde," "Ready, Willing and Able," "The King
and the Chorus Girl," "Slim," "The Singing Marine," "Public Wedding," "Mr.
Dodd Takes the Air," "Larger Than Life."
184
LLOYD BACON
(Warner Bros. Director)
There would be something very wrong with Lloyd Bacon if he were not
up to his ears in the theatrical profession.
He was born into it, his father being the famous Frank Bacon, author
and star of "Lightnin'," and his mother Jane Bacon, was an actress.
Lloyd made his initial bow December 4, 1890, at San Jose, California,
and was educated in San Francisco where his father operated a stock company.
He was graduated from Wilmerding High School and later attended Santa Clara
College .
He made his stage debut as the bewhiskered Nubian in Oscar Wilde's
"Salome" at the Colonial Theatre, San Francisco. His next engagements were
in stock in Omaha and Kansas City, and then he became leading man with a
repertoire company and spent a season in vaudeville.
In 1911 he joined the Belasco Stock Company in Los Angeles in which
were Lewis Stone and Marjorie Rambeau. Later he toured the country with her.
In 1908, while he was playing in Santa Barbara with a repertoire
company, G. M. (Broncho Billy) Anderson cast him as a heavy in one of his
western comedies for Essanay, but when Bacon found out he had to do a fall,
he refused to go on with the Job.
In 1915 he went back to Anderson as an actor and director, quitting
in 1918 to act with Charlie Chaplin. Soon after Oliver Morosco took him to
New York for a part in "The Cinderella Man."
War came and Bacon joined the Navy, working up from a gob to a
junior lieutenancy as an air service observer in the photographic department.
He was discharged at Miami and returned to Hollywood to act in features with
William S. Hart, Edith Storey, Irene Rich, Bessie Barriscale and others.
.IJftt fi of) oi bsid erf Sub
■ do i
loz-rebafii oj
185
He became Lloyd Hamilton's director in 1921 and after three years
v/ent to Sennett's where he directed comedies. After making several two-
reelers for Universal, Jack Warner signed him for a long term contract and he
has been with Warner Bros, ever since. His first picture was "Broken Hearts
of Hollywood, "
Since then he's had a long succession of hit pictures, including
"The Singing Fool," "Fifty Million Frenchmen," "The Office Wife," "Moby Dick,"
"Manhattan Parade," "The Famous Ferguson Case," "Miss Pinkerton," "The
Crooner," "42nd Street," "Footlight Parade," "Mary Stevens, M.D.," "Wonder
Bar," "Here Comes the Navy," "Devil Dogs of the Air," "Broadway Gondolier,"
"The Irish in Us," "Sons O'Guns," "Cain and Mabel," "Gold Diggers of 1937,"
"San Quentin," "Marked Woman," "Submarine D-l."
He is married and has a daughter 21 years old.
186
BUSBY BERKELEY
(Warner Bros. Director)
William Berkeley Enos was the name inscribed on the official
records at Los Angeles on November 29, 1895, when the man who was to become
known as the most famous dance director in pictures under the name of Busby-
Berkeley made his debut into this vale of tears.
When he was born his father was directing Tim Frawley's stock
company in Los Angeles. His mother, Gertrude Berkeley, was an actress and
was with Nazimova for fourteen years on stage and screen. The star of his
father's company was Amy Busby, and the boy was called "Busby" in her honor.
When he was only three months old, his parents moved to New York and
he didn't return to his birthplace until March 20, 1930, when he came to
direct the dance numbers in "Whoopee" for Sam Goldwyn's Eddie Cantor pro-
duction. He's been there ever since, mostly with Warner Bros, as a dance
director, and more lately as director.
Between times he'd attended military academy in New York. After
graduation he became an advertising man, working in an agency for three
years. He enlisted in the army the day war was declared, and became a
lieutenant in the 312th Field Artillery, 79th Division.
After two and a half years at the front, he was made General
Pershing's entertainment officer. This was his first theatrical work, and
after the war he played the lead in "The Man Who Came Back," following
Henry Hull in the role. He played the leading comedy role in "Irene" for
three years, and staged road companies of the show for two years after that.
He directed stock companies in Boston, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo,
Toronto, Springfield, Worcester and Hartford for four years, also playing
many roles. This background brought him to Broadway to stage and direct
dances and ensembles in musical shows.
187
Among his productions of this type v/ere, "Holka Polka," "Castles in
the Air," "Wild Rose," "Sweet Lady," "Twinkle Twinkle," "The Love Pirate,"
"The Connecticut Yankee," "White Eagle," "Present Arms," Carroll's
"Vanities," "Good Boy," "Golden Dawn," "Rainbow," "Hello Daddy," "Pleasure
Bound," "Night in Venice," "Broadway Nights," "Nina Rose," "9:15 Revue,"
"International Revue," and "The Street Singer."
His first picture far Warners was "42nd Street," which skyrocketed
him to fame in Hollywood. He did "Kid From Spain" and "Roman Scandals" for
Goldwyn, and then "Gold Diggers of 1933," "Footlight Parade," "Fashion
Follies of 1934," "Wonder Bar," "Dames," "In Caliente," "Stars Over Broadway,"
"Gold Diggers of 1937."
His first screen directorial work was "Gold Diggers of 1935." Then
came "Broadway Joe," "Stage Struck," and "The Go Getter."
He was married to Merna Kennedy, but they are now amicably sep-
arated. He lives with his mother in Beverly Hills.
BOBBY CONNOLLY
(Warner Bros. Director)
A dynamic bundle of nerves, Bobby Connolly, despite his Irish name
and descent, might be described as the typical American. He is vitally
interested in his job as director and dance director for Warner Bros, and is
just as energetic when tackling his favorite sports of horseback riding and
polo playing.
Born in Boston on July 4, 1890, Connolly attended the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology after being graduated from parochial schools. In
school he played football and was deeply interested in theatricals.
He left school to join George M. Cohan in 1910 and has been closely
identified with the stage and pictures ever since. He worked with Raymond
Hitchcock, G. P. Huntley, George White and Florenz Ziegfeld, first as an
actor, then as a dancer, and finally as dance director and producer of sen-
sational production numbers.
He authored "Sons 0* Guns" and collaborated in other musicals before
coming to Hollywood.
Big film musicals for which he has conceived and staged the dance
numbers include "Sweet Adeline," "Sweet Music," "Sons 0' Guns," "Flirtation
Walk," "Shipmates Forever," "Cain and Mabel," "Ready, Willing and Able,"
"Colleen," "The Singing Kid," and "The King and the Chorus Girl."
His success, with these spectacular numbers, won him the chance to
do several Technicolor shorts, including "Changing the Guard," "The Littlest
Diplomat" and "A Day at Santa Anita." Having proved his ability beyond all
doubt, he was promoted to a first line director. "Expensive Husbands" is his
initial full-length feature.
Connolly has been married for eleven years and is the proud father
of three children, Bobby, Jr., Blanche and Billy, age nine, six and three,
respectively.
He lives on a beautiful ranch in San Fernando Valley and devotes
most of his spare time to its cultivation and to his horses.
190
MICHAEL CURT I Z
(Warner Bros. Director)
It's a long way from a professional strong man in a circus to one of
the leading directors in motion pictures but it is a chasm that has been
bridged by Michael Curtiz.
Born in Budapest in 1889, the son of a builder, he was educated at
the university there and the Hungarian Royal Theatrical Academy. A powerful
young man, he eked out expenses for a time as a strong man with a circus.
He had just started his career as an actor in 1914 when the war
broke out. He served two years in the Austrian Army and afterward became
associated with Max Reinhardt in his production of "Oedipus Rex," at the State
Theatre in Berlin.
Through his Reinhardt association he had the opportunity to go to
Norway as an actor and remained there to, become a director of Nordisk Films.
Returning to Vienna, he produced and directed seventeen pictures.
Then began a wandering career that took him to Paris, Berlin, Rome and back
to Budapest, always directing pictures. His biggest successes during this
period were "The Moon of Israel," "Sodom and Gomorrah," and "The Memoirs of
Satan." He also directed the first biographical film of Napoleon, entitled
"Glory."
Seeking new worlds to conquer, he came to America and landed in
Hollywood. In 1927, he signed a contract with Warner Bros, and has remained
with that studio ever since.
■Bright Lights" was his first American directorial effort and he has
a long list of successful follow-ups, including:
■The Matrimonial Bed," "Diver's End," "A Soldier's Plaything,"
"God's Gift to Women," "The Mad Genius," "Alias the Doctor," "Doctor X,"
"Cabin in the Cotton," "20,000 Years in Sing Sing," "The Mystery of the Wax
Museum," "The Keyhole," "Goodbye Again," "Jimmy the Gent," "British Agent,"
"Black Fury," "The Case of the Curious Bride," "Front Page Woman," "Captain
Blood," "The Charge of the Light Brigade", "Mountain Justice," "Kid Galahad,"
"Stolen Holiday," "Perfect Specimen."
WILLIAM DIETERLE
(Warner Bros. Director)
William Dieterle is the biggest director in Hollywood — he is six
feet four inches tall and wears a size 11-D shoe.
He was born July 15, 1893, in the Rheinpfalz in Germany, the ninth
and last child of very poor parents.
He became an actor, served an apprenticeship under Max Reinhardt and
finally was starred by him in Berlin. Between starring engagements he also
directed, with the master keeping an eagle eye on his protege.
E. A. Dupont made him a film actor, then a director, and he came to
Warner Bros, in Hollywood to act in and direct German versions of pictures.
He did such a good job that he was put on regular productions.
He is a great friend of Krishnamurti and is deeply interested in
astrology. He always starts his pictures by the stars, sometimes making his
first shot in the middle of night because a horoscope reading has indicated
it is the auspicious moment for launching a big undertaking.
Dieterle admits he knows absolutely nothing about business. All of his
affairs are handled by his wife, the former Charlotte Hagenbruch, who was a
famous actress in Germany. She is regarded as one of the shrewdest business
women in Hollywood.
He hates war and anything connected with it, preferring musicians,
scientists, nurses, doctors, writers and painters as his heroes. That's why
he talked the studio into filming "The Story of Louis Pasteur," "The White
Angel," and "The Life of Emile Zola."
He co-directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream," with Reinhardt, and also
has such other pictures as "The Making of O'Malley," "Another Dawn," "Satan
Met a Lady," "Dr. Socrates," "The Firebird," "Madame DuBarry," "Fog Over
Frisco," "Fashions of 1934," "Scarlet Dawn," "The Crash," "The Jewel Robbery,"
"Her Majesty, Love," and "The Last Flight" to his credit.
193
He has a rambling home atop one of Hollywood's hills, and a library
stacked to the ceiling with books — all of which he has read.
Recently he became an American citizen, just prior to making a
vacation trip to Salzburg for the annual Reinhardt Festival.
194
RAY ENRIGHT
(Warner Bros. Director)
Ray Enright is an anomaly among Irishmen — he takes life very
seriously despite the fact that his greatest forte is the direction of pic-
tures with a strong comedy element.
Born at Anderson, Ind., March 25, 1896, Enright's first ambition was
to follow in his father's footsteps as a railroader, but when the family
removed to Los Angeles, his thoughts turned to pictures after he had been
graduated from Lincoln High School.
He worked for a time on the L. A. Times as an advertising solicitor,
but left that job in 1912 when Eddie Cline offered him a chance to learn the
art of cutting pictures with Mack Sennett.
He stayed with Sennett for seven years, becoming editor-in-chief of
all comedies after four years. He graduated from cutting to gag man, and
Sennett used to get a great kick out of listening to this solemn Irishman
explaining the most side-splitting stunts without ever cracking a smile.
He joined the army during the war, but never went overseas. After
the Armistice he joined Tom Ince as editor and co-director, working on "The
Hottentot," "The Galloping Fish" with Syd Chaplin and Louise Fazenda, "Those
Who Dance," and others. He had been signed to direct when Ince died, and he
moved to Warner Bros, as a comedy constructionist and cutter. He edited the
four Charles Chaplin feature comedies made for that company, and many other
pictures and finally was assigned to direct a short. He did such a good job
that he was promoted to a full-fledged director.
Among the pictures he has directed for Warner Bros, are, "Back in
Circulation," "The Singing Marine," "Slim," "Ready, Willing and Able," "Sing
Me a Love Song," "China Clipper," "Earthworm Tractor," "Snowed Under," "We're
in the Money," "Alibi Ike," "Traveling Saleslady," "While the Patient Slept,"
"The St. Louis Kid," "Dames," and many others.
Enright is married but has no children. He spends most of his
leisure playing golf and reading. His hobby is attending football games.
EDMUND GOULDING
(Warner Bros. Director)
He was born in London, England, in 1892 and was educated there. Made
his first appearance at the Holborn Empire Theatre in 1909 in a sketch,
"Gentlemen, the King."
Next appearad as The Walrus in "Alice in Wonderland" at the Court
Theatre. So far back as he can remember, his ambition was to be associated
with the theatre. His sister, Iris Goulding, is an actress, and his mother,
Mrs. Charlotte Goulding, is a lecturer on the theatre.
A leading man at the age of fifteen, he early became interested in
writing and came to New York as playwright. A number of his plays were suc-
cessful. "Dancing Mothers," being a big hit.
His career was interrupted by the World War. He served throughout
with the British forces, seeing much action in France.
From the stage he drifted into motion picture writing. He adapted
"The Man Who Came Back," "The Fool," Dante's "Inferno," and many others.
He authored "Dancing Mothers," "Tol'able David," "Grand Parade,"
"Broadway Melody," "The Trespasser," starring Gloria Swanson for which he
also composed the hit tune, "Love, Your Magic Spell is Everywhere."
Among his outstanding directorial efforts have been "Sally, Irene
and Mary," "Sun Up," "Paris," "Women Love Diamonds," "Love," "Devil's Holi-
day," "Reaching for the Moon," "Grand Hotel," "Blondie of the Follies,"
"Riptide," "The Flame Within," etc.
Recently he signed a contract with Warner Bros, and as his first
production directed Bette Davis in "That Certain Woman," with Henry Fonda and
Ian Hunter in featured roles.
He is interested in tennis and swimming and is fairly proficient at
both sports.
He is unmarried at the present time.
WILLIAM KEIGHLEY
(Warner Bros. Director)
Twenty-two years in the theatre — twelve as actor and ten as
director — gave William Keighley a foundation that elevated him to the first
rank of motion picture directors in fast order.
Born in Philadelphia 38 years ago, he received his education there
and naturally gravitated to the theatre which he loved from early childhood.
Keighley trouped with the best of them in his time, playing every-
thing from Shakespeare to "Officer 666."
He sold the first modern play to Chautauqua, when those travelling
shows were using only the classics. He sold them "The Melting Pot" and "Just
Suppose" and a dozen more. He acted and directed most of these.
After two years in Paris studying the French theatre, he returned to
New York to become an associate director with Charles Hopkins, producing "The
Perfect Alibi" and others. Went to London where he directed several
productions.
Back in New York again he directed "Penny Arcade" which brought Joan
Blondell and James Cagney to notice. Al Jolson, who owned the play, speci-
fied that they should go with it when he sold it to Warner Bros., and thus
they got their Hollywood break.
Keighley followed them to the Coast and directed such stage successes
as "Grand Hotel," "Elizabeth the Queen," "The Greeks Had a Word for It," and
"Tomorrow and Tomorrow" for the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles. He trans-
lated "Cyrano de Bergerac" from the French for Richard Bennett and directed
the Los Angeles stage production.
With such experience, he fitted naturally into the picture as a
dialogue director for Warner Bros. After an apprenticeship as co-director,
three years ago he launched out on his own, directing "Easy to Love."
r
■
Since then he has directed sixteen pictures, his most recent ones
being "Varsity Show," "The Prince and the Pauper," "God's Country and the
Woman," "Green Pastures," "Singing Kid," "G-Men," "Adventures of Robin Hood,"
and others.
He is not married, and lives in an unpretentious but extremely
comfortable home in Brentwood. He has recently added a swimming pool to his
establishment and can thus indulge in his favorite sport without leaving his
own grounds.
198
MERVYN LeROY
(Warner Bros. Director)
Falls have figured prominently in the life of Mervyn LeRoy, Warner
Bros, producer and director.
At the age of six, he fell three floors when the San Francisco
earthquake shook his family home, and landed on a mattress unhurt.
Four years later, when Theodore Roberts had given him a job in
"Barbara Frietchie" at the Alcazar Theatre, he fell out of a tree to the
stage and the audience liked it so well he got extra pay for doing it reg-
ularly.
Born in San Francisco on October 15, 1900, his first business
experience was as a newsboy outside the Alcazar. Which gave him his first
chance on the stage.
In 1915, he got a job as a singer at the World's Fair, and then
teamed with another boy in vaudeville, finally earning as high as 5200 a week.
He decided to try the movies and landed as Wardrobe boy with Famous
Players-Lasky . After several months he demanded a better job and became an
assistant cameraman, quitting this to return to vaudeville.
He came back to Hollywood, determined to make good. He lived with
George O'Brien. Both did extra work until Alfred E. Green hired them to play
ghosts in "The Ghost Breaker." LeRoy suggested several gags and Green hired
him as his gag-man. Disliking that name, he called himself a "comedy con-
structor" and began to prosper.
He went to John McCormick, studio boss, and demanded a chance to
direct. Amused at the young man's nerve, McCormick said, "Okay!" He directed
"No Place to Go." It made money and he was set.
Then came "Harold Teen," and a long succession of successes,
including "Five Star Final," "I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang," "Little
199
Caesar," "Tugboat Annie," "Oil for the Lamps of China," "Anthony Adverse,"
"Three Men on a Horse," "The King and the Chorus Girl," "They Won't Forget,"
and others.
He is married, his wife being the former Doris Warner. They have a
son, Lewis Warner LeRoy, and their home is regarded as one of the show places
of Southern California.
He is boyish in appearance, is five feet six inches tall and of
slight build.
He smokes huge black cigars which he uses as an orchestra leader
uses a baton when directing.
Is regarded as one of the keenest judges of stories in Hollywood.
Incidentally, Al Green, who gave him his first job, is now a director
for the Mervyn LeRoy unit.
ANATOLE LITVAK
(Warner Bros. Director)
Born in Petrograd — now Leningrad — thirty-five years ago,
Anatole Litvak got his start in the theatrical profession at the age of thir-
teen when he entered the state dramatic school in his native city.
The Russian theatre is famous for its thoroughness, and by the time
he was twenty-four — when he was a character actor in a young theatre group
of players who staged their own productions — he had every phase of stage
experience from directing to operating the lights and helping write the plays.
He participated in the revolution but refuses to tell what part he
had in that world-shaking event. At any rate, he became a screen director
under the Soviet regime at the Nordkino Studios, "Hearts and Dollars" being
his first feature.
UFA studios in Berlin lured him from Russia and after several pic-
tures there he went with Pathe in Paris. Gaumont-British signed him to do
"Be Mine Tonight," and his world-wide fame dates from release of that great
musical with Jan Kiepura as the other star.
Returning to Paris he directed "Mayerling," "Calais-Dover,"
"Sleeping Car," "Escadrille" and others. He considers "Mayerling" his best
production. It has never been done in English, however, but the foreign
version has been released in America.
He came to Hollywood to do an English version of "Escadrille"
starring Paul Muni and Miriam Hopkins. It was released as "The Woman I Love"
just prior to his signing a long term contract with Warner Bros. His first
picture is "Tovarich," starring Claudette Colbert and Charles Boyer,
an adaptation of the successful Broadway play.
Litvak is stockily built and rather short in stature. Of fair com-
plexion, his blond hair is turning gray prematurely and his bright blue eyes
have an electric quality.
201
Like most Russians who have been raised in the theatre, he is an
expert dancer and says that is his only form of exercise.
His chief interest is in things theatrical and he is an omniverous
reader, especially of biography and history.
In September, 1937, he married Miriam Hopkins.
JOE MAY
(Warner Bros. Director)
Son of a wealthy Austrian merchant, Joe May was born in Vienna. His
birth date is November 7th. Year? His business !
He was educated at the Vienna Gymnasium and completed his schooling
at the University of Berlin. While a student he married Mia May, brilliant
young actress, who later starred in many of his screen productions.
Supplied with ample funds by a doting family, he lived the usual
sporting life of a wealthy Continental and at one time was noted as an amateur
racing driver. Later he owned a stable of thoroughbreds.
Became bored with aimless sport and in Hamburg in 1909 took a minor
job with the Operetta Theatre, soon becoming a director.
In 1911 he became interested in the growing film industry and
interested the Continental Art Film Co. in helping him produce a picture
featuring Miss May, called "In the Depths of the Mine."
He remained with Continental for three years producing and directing
a series of detective films and developing many stars. In 1914 he formed his
own organization, but the war ended that.
While cranking a camera in the Austrian trenches in 1916 a shell
shattered the instrument and sent him to the hospital. He was too disabled
to return to war, and joined UFA on its founding in 1917.
In 1918 he produced "Veritas Vincit," the biggest German-made film
up to that time. In 1921 he made "The Indian Tomb," giving Conrad Veidt and
Lya DePutti their first big roles.
May visited Hollywood in 1930 to study American picture methods,
refusing offers to stay and returned to Germany and produced "Her Majesty,
Love," starring Francis Lederer and Kathy Von Nagy.
203
He directed in Paris, making several pictures for Pathe and went
back to Germany to direct Jan Kiepura in "A Song for You," his last picture
there before the Nazi regime.
After directing Kiepura in several more pictures in France, he came
to Hollywood, signing with Erich Pommer to direct "Music in the Air" for
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.
Recently, he was signed to a long term Warner Bros, contract, his
first picture being, "Confession," starring Kay Francis and Basil Rathbone.
He weighs 170 pounds and is five feet six inches tall.
204
frank Mcdonald
(Warner Bros. Director)
Seventeen years in the theatre and four in pictures should qualify a
man to direct movies, and it certainly has Frank McDonald.
Born in Baltimore on November 9, 1899, he was educated in the public
schools there and at Baltimore City College. His father was a designer and
cabinet maker for the B. & 0. Railroad.
He started out to be a railroader, too, and worked in the Baltimore
branch of the Southern Pacific for a time, later, he was traffic manager for
Armour & Co., New York, and from there gravitated to the theatre.
His stage experience includes five seasons as stage manager at the
Elitch Gardens, Denver; three seasons as director and technical man at
Skowhegan, Maine, stage manager and director of many important stars and
productions. He was stage manager for "The Silver Cord," "One of the Family,*
"The Perfect Marriage," "Puppets," "Fires of Spring," "The K Guy," "Bulls,
Bears and Asses," directed the Chicago company of "Sailor Beware," and co-
authored and directed "Let's Pretend," which was produced by many stock
companies .
Famous stars he directed at the Fox-Locust Theatre in Philadelphia,
during the season 1932, include Mrs. Leslie Carter, Charlotte Walker, Irene
Franklin, Arthur Byron, Jean Arthur, Olive Borden, Lou Tellegan and William
Courtney.
He directed and managed stock companies in Des Moines, Worcester,
Mass.; Sioux City, Iowa; Atlanta, Georgia; Syracuse, N. Y. ; Boston, Milwaukee,
Northampton, Mass.; Newark, Toledo, Rochester, N. Y. , Louisville, Washington,
Pittsfield, Mass.; Manchester, N. H. ; Yonkers, N. Y. ; Watertown, N. Y. ;
Plainfield, N. J. ; Bronx, N. Y.
Four years ago, he was signed by Warner Bros, as a dialogue director,
serving in that capacity on "British Agent," "Smarty," "The Key" and "I Sell
Anything," and then was promoted to full-fledged director.
205
"From This Dark Stairway," was his first assignment, followed by
■Broadway Hostess," "Boulder Dam," "Murder by an Aristocrat," "Two Against
the World," "Love Begins at Twenty," "Smart Blonde," "Isle of Fury,"
"Midnight Court," "Her Husband's Secretary," "Dance, Charlie, Dance," "Fly
Away Baby," and "Treachery Rides the Range," and others.
He is married to Goodee Montgomery, niece of Dave Montgomery of the
famous old team of Montgomery and Stone.
His hobby is horseback riding and his favorite sport is horse
racing.
WILLIAM McGANN
(Warner Bros. Director)
From telephone mechanic to movie director is the career, in brief,
of William McGann.
Born at Pittsburgh, Pa., April 5, 1898, McGann was educated at
LaSalle Academy and the University of California.
He specialized in electrical engineering in college and worked for
the Home Telephone Co. in Los Angeles on the first automatic phones. Pre-
viously, he worked for a short time as a call boy for the Santa Fe Railroad.
Sidney Franklin, whom he had known for some time, got him a job in
pictures as assistant cameraman in 1915 when Franklin became an assistant
director.
McGann worked for five years as cameraman with Douglas Fairbanks,
Constance Talmadge, Buster Keaton, George Beban and others.
He was head of the comedy department for Fox and a cameraman there
for some time and came to Warners as an assistant director in 1925, his first
picture being "Tiger Rose," starring Lenore Ulric. His old pal, Sidney
Franklin, was the director.
He was behind the camera again on "Sea Beast" and then got his first
directorial assignment on "Rin-Tin-Tin On the Border." He made the first
Vitaphone shorts produced in Hollywood and directed Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,
and Loretta Young in "I Like Your Nerve."
With Irving Asher he opened Warner Bros, studios in England and
directed the first picture made there, "Murder on the Second Floor." During
two and a half years in London, he directed Pat Paterson, Benita Hume, Margot
Grahame and others.
He enlisted in the air service during the war and was two weeks from
a commission when the war ended. He left the service on Thanksgiving Day,
1918, to return to Fox Studio as a cameraman.
He likes to dig in the earth for relaxation and is expert on raising
orchids and cyclamen. He is married but has no children.
For pets he has a smooth haired fox terrier and a doberman-great
dane .
Recent pictures include "Polo Joe," "Penrod and Sam," "Marry the
Girl," "Brides Are Like That," "Alcatraz Island," and "Sh-h-h! The Octopus, "
and others.
MAX REINHARDT
(Warner Bros. Director)
From lowly character actor to the greatest entrepreneur in the his-
tory of the stage, epitomizes the career of Max Reinhardt, now a Warner Bros,
director.
Born in Raden, Austria, on September 8, 1873, he was educated at the
Untergymnasium and worked in a bank for a short time before beginning his
dramatic studies under Emile Burde.
Later he entered the Vienna Conservatory leaving to accept his first
professional engagement in Salzburg in 1893. He won immediate acclaim in his
characterization of old men and was signed by Otto Brahm, head of the
Deutsches Theatre, Berlin. He became a great favorite there, and left ten
years later to become a director.
His first production was Gorky's "The Lower Depths"; his second,
"A Midsummer Night's Dream," and his third, "Oedipus Rex."
His success was so great and had such international influence that
he was appointed director of the Deutsches Theatre, where a few years before,
he had come as an untried neophyte.
In the first years he produced virtually all the plays of Shakes-
peare, Moliere, Goethe, Strindberg, Wedekind, Ibsen, Shaw and others, as well
as musical comedies and operas.
To give full scope to his breadth of dramatic interpretation he built
two more theatres. One was the Kammerspiele , holding 300 people, where he
presented plays of intimate charm, and the Grosses Schauspielhaus , seating
5,000, where he staged those of broad sweep and large casts.
He was the first German producer to be invited to produce abroad,
going to Paris at the invitation of Antoine; London, under the sponsorship of
Cochran; to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Zurich, Berne, Budapest, Vienna, Prague,
Bucharest and finally to New York.
209
In America he did "The Miracle," with the co-operation of Morris Gest
and Norman Bel-Geddes, and later he produced "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Virtually every director in Central Europe is a disciple of Rein-
hardt, either imitating his methods as a tribute to the great master or
definitely doing the opposite in protest.
He was the mentor of many Europeans who have become prominent in
Hollywood, notably Lubitsch, Dieterle, Emil Jannings, Conrad Veidt, Lil
Dagover, Rudolph Schildkraut and others.
His first motion picture production was "A Midsummer Night's Dream,"
which he co-directed with his former pupil, William Dieterle.
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